Governance
The Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) operates through a structured governance framework that ensures coordination, inclusivity, and alignment with WHO’s mission and policies. The GCTF is not a decision-making body. Instead, it functions as a collaborative platform where members share knowledge, coordinate activities, and strengthen clinical trial ecosystems in line with World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8.
Secretariat
WHO serves as the Secretariat of the GCTF, responsible for the network’s overall management. The Secretariat coordinates membership, develops and monitors the Forum’s workplan, facilitates collaboration, and ensures that all activities are consistent with WHO norms and standards.
Key functions include:
- Managing membership in line with WHO policies;
- Coordinating workplan development and implementation;
- Supporting thematic working groups;
- Facilitating dialogue among members;
- Organizing meetings and communications;
- Managing the GCTF website, documentation, and reporting.
Secretariat support is subject to available resources and WHO regulations. WHO reserves the right not to implement activities that pose undue financial, legal, or reputational risks.
Working groups
Working groups are the main platforms for technical collaboration within the GCTF. They are:
- Time-bound and thematic – established in consultation with members to focus on defined priorities.
- Open to all participants – every member organization may join based on its expertise and interest.
- Member-led – driven by members, working group activities are carried out in collaboration with and supported by the secretariat.
Working groups provide a practical way for members to contribute expertise, share knowledge, and advance best practices aligned with WHO’s Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials and the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS).
Member contributions
Active participation from members is central to the GCTF. Each approved member outlines planned contributions for a two-year term, aligned with at least one of the nine GAP-CTS action areas and supporting WHO’s clinical trials guidance.
Types of contributions include:
- Dissemination – translating or sharing WHO products and standards, producing communication materials, or publishing external articles.
- Engagement and advocacy – promoting adoption of WHO guidance through policy briefs, workshops, dialogues, or campaigns.
- Knowledge sharing – contributing data, supporting studies, or engaging in WHO-facilitated platforms.
- Collaborative initiatives – partnering with WHO and other members on joint projects.
Members are encouraged to commit to one or two focused contributions that are achievable and impactful. The Secretariat provides guidance and coordination support to ensure contributions are aligned with WHO norms and standards.
Measuring outcomes
At the Global Clinical Trials Forum, we track results to show how our collective efforts are making a difference.
"Every activity, big or small, helps strengthen clinical trial ecosystems"
Through our shared work, members contribute to advancing WHO's Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials, the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS), and World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8.
Outcomes are assessed across three main areas:
- Dissemination. Evaluating how WHO norms and standards are shared, translated, and applied through communication materials, events, and publications that inform national and regional action.
- Engagement and advocacy. Measuring the influence of partnerships and policy dialogues in strengthening national frameworks, enhancing collaboration, and promoting the adoption of WHO guidance.
- Knowledge sharing. Tracking how members exchange data, share best practices, and build institutional and regional capacity to conduct high-quality, ethical, and inclusive research.
Together, these outcomes show how GCTF members are turning shared commitment into real-world progress for clinical research and public health.