Join the Forum
Bring your organisation into the Forum
Membership is open to organisations working in public health with a strong interest in ear and hearing care. Applications are reviewed by the steering committee and confirmed by WHO under its Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors.
Three steps
- 01
Write to the secretariat
Email whf@who.int and ask for the current application round. Membership windows are set by WHO.
- 02
Send the documents
By-laws, certificate of establishment, funding sources, board names, and a report of your public-health work.
- 03
WHO decides
The steering committee recommends. WHO takes the final decision after due diligence. Allow about six weeks.
Before you apply
Who can join
- Governmental and nongovernmental organisations
- Organisations of persons with disabilities and user groups
- Charitable and service organisations
- Professional societies, parent groups and regional fora with a defined structure
- Private sector entities, including international business associations
- Philanthropic foundations
- Academic institutions
Why join
- Contribute to the global advocacy initiative for ear and hearing care.
- Partner with other members across countries and sectors.
- Work with local, national, regional and international organisations towards a common goal.
- Be listed on the Forum website and receive a certificate of membership.
Eligibility
- Work actively in the public health domain, including healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce and education.
- Have significant activities and a strong interest in ear and hearing care.
- Be committed to implementing World Health Assembly resolution WHA70.13 and willing to engage actively in the Forum, including the Membership Assembly.
- Have a proper governance structure and transparent funding and reporting systems.
- Have good standing and reputation in the field.
- Have international, regional or multinational activities wherever possible.
What members do
- Initiate and take part in the activities, discussions and deliberations of the Forum.
- Join the workstreams and contribute to the work plan.
- Take part in regular workstream meetings and the Forum meetings.
- Promote the work, vision, goals and objectives of the Forum.
- Share knowledge and information with other members.
- Undertake advocacy through World Hearing Day on 3 March each year.
What to send, and what happens next
Documents to prepare
Have these ready in English before you apply.
- By-laws or constitution
- Certificate of establishment
- Sources of funding, including a list of donors and sponsors
- Names of the members of the decision-making body, such as the Board
- Report of activities in the public health domain, including healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce or education, with a strong interest in ear and hearing care
What happens next
WHO checks the application for completeness and sends an acknowledgement.
The steering committee reviews all applications and makes a recommendation to WHO, which takes the final decision after due diligence.
Expect a response within six weeks.
Membership term
- Membership runs for two years.
- Renewal is possible after evaluation.
Application dates are set by WHO. Write to whf@who.int for the current round.
Start with a short note to the secretariat
Tell us who you are and what you would like to contribute. The secretariat will confirm the current application window and what to attach.