Governance

Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) operates through a governance framework that supports coordination, inclusivity and alignment with WHO’s mission, rules and policies.

GCTF is not a decision-making body and is not a separate legal entity. It functions as a WHO-managed collaborative platform where members share knowledge, coordinate activities and contribute to strengthening clinical trial ecosystems in line with World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8.

All GCTF activities operate under the auspices of WHO and are subject to WHO’s Constitution, General Programme of Work, applicable regulations and policies.

Secretariat

WHO serves as the Secretariat of GCTF and is responsible for the network’s overall coordination and management.

The Secretariat:

manages membership in line with WHO policies,
coordinates development and monitoring of the GCTF workplan,
supports thematic working groups,
facilitates dialogue among members,
organises meetings and communications,
manages GCTF website content, documentation and reporting, and
supports alignment of activities with WHO norms and standards.

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 a key platform for technical collaboration within GCTF.

They are:

time-bound and thematic, established in consultation with members to focus on defined priorities,
open to GCTF members, based on organisational expertise and interest, and
member-led, with activities carried out in collaboration with and supported by the Secretariat.

Working groups provide a practical mechanism 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.

Member contributions

Active participation from members is central to GCTF. Each approved member outlines planned contributions for a two-year term, aligned with at least one of the nine Global Action Plan action areas and supporting WHO’s clinical trials guidance.

Types of contribution include:

Dissemination – sharing, translating or adapting WHO products and standards, producing communication materials, or publishing articles, blogs or commentaries referencing WHO guidance.
Engagement and advocacy – promoting adoption of WHO guidance through policy briefs, workshops, dialogues, campaigns or system-strengthening activities.
Knowledge sharing – contributing expertise, tools, data, case studies or experience through GCTF working groups and WHO-facilitated platforms.

Members are encouraged to identify one or two focused contributions that are realistic, meaningful and aligned with their institutional priorities. The Secretariat provides coordination and technical guidance to help ensure that contributions reflect WHO norms and standards.