The 10th edition of the World Heart Summit took place in Geneva, Switzerland, the heart of global health diplomacy in 2025, ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly.
Global leaders and experts from government, civil society, academia and the private sector came together to advance solutions for cardiovascular health worldwide.
Together, we continue to drive progress towards better heart health for all.
The World Heart Summit 2025 was accredited by the European Board for Accreditation of Continuing Education for Health Professionals (EBAC) for 12 CE points, equivalent to 12 hours of effective education time.
Session recordings are available below as part of the World Heart Summit 2025 programme.
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| 8:30-9:00 | Welcome & Registration | |||||||||
| 9:00-9:20 |
Welcome to World Heart Summit 2025, Exchange of Livery Collar, Introduction to WHS 2025
The 10th World Heart Summit opened with inspiring addresses from World Heart Federation leaders and marked significant leadership transitions. New CEO Finn Jarle Rode emphasized the urgent global mission to combat cardiovascular disease—the world’s leading cause of death—highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, public awareness, and global collaboration. Outgoing president Prof. Daniel Piñeiro was honored for his impactful tenure, including advancements in advocacy, partnerships, and education programs such as the Leadership in Advocacy and Communication and Emerging Leaders Program. Incoming president Prof. Jagat Narula underscored the shared responsibility to advance cardiovascular health globally, invoking compassion, equity, and policy leadership. COO Borjana Pervan framed the summit’s importance ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, calling for bold, measurable global targets to reduce CVD mortality. This opening set a powerful tone for two days of global dialogue on cardiovascular health diplomacy. Speakers:
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| 9:20-10:30 |
UN High-Level Meeting 2025 WHF Proposal
This pivotal session at the World Heart Summit 2025 focused on shaping the global cardiovascular agenda ahead of the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Leading experts, including Dr. Jagat Narula, Prof. Srinath Reddy, Prof. Pablo Perel, Prof. Prabhakaran Dorairaj, Dr. Slim Slama, and Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, critically analyzed the gaps in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 to reduce premature NCD mortality by 2030. The panel emphasized the need to extend targets beyond 2030, adopt a life-course approach, address multimorbidity, and strengthen primary healthcare through integrated, community-based, and transdisciplinary models. Discussions addressed the urgent need for sustainable financing, equity across income levels, and stronger global governance, with particular attention to commercial determinants like ultra-processed foods and tobacco. The session called for bold, evidence-based policy changes, innovative health system redesign, and expanded implementation research to advance universal cardiovascular health. Speakers:
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| 10:30-11:00 |
Keynote address: Legacy of the 'Go Red For Women' campaign
This impactful session at the World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by WHF CEO Finn Jarle Rode and COO Borjana Pervan, spotlighted global gender disparities in cardiovascular health. Featuring Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, and Prof. Satyendra Tiwari, the session emphasized the urgent need to address persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and research for women affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Brown presented the Go Red for Women campaign, highlighting its global reach through advocacy, awareness, and groundbreaking initiatives like Research Goes Red and the Go Red Venture Fund. Prof. Tiwari reinforced the importance of extending these efforts to low- and middle-income countries. The discussion called for stronger global collaboration, investment in women-focused research, early diagnosis, and equitable care to advance cardiovascular health equity for women worldwide. Speakers:
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| 11:00-11:30 | Break | |||||||||
| 11:30-12:30 |
Addressing multimorbidity in the context of CVD
At the World Heart Summit 2025, this expert panel, moderated by Michelle Winokur (Executive Director, International Atherosclerosis Society), explored the rising global challenge of multimorbidity in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Prof. Dorairaj Prabhakaran (WHF President-Elect, Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi) opened with a case study highlighting the complex intersection of CVD with diabetes, obesity, renal disease, and social determinants of health. Panelists—including Dr. Taskeen Khan (World Heart Federation), Bruce Neal (The George Institute for Global Health, Australia), Gemma Figtree (University of Sydney), Shreeram Aradhye (Novartis), Dr. José R. Gonzalez Juanatey (University Clinical Hospital, Santiago de Compostela), and Richard Chazal (Lee Health Heart Institute)—emphasized health system redesign, digital innovation, team-based care, and integrated prevention strategies. The session underscored the urgent need for scalable, context-specific policies, food system interventions such as salt substitution, and stronger patient engagement to reduce the burden of multimorbidity worldwide. Speakers:
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| 12:30-13:15 |
Primacy of primary care in combating CVD
This high-level session at World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by Taskeen Khan (WHF Advocacy Committee Member), explored the pivotal role of primary care in hypertension control and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention worldwide. Dr. Tom Frieden (Resolve to Save Lives) emphasized the urgent need for simple, scalable, data-driven solutions to achieve global hypertension control and prevent millions of deaths. Dr. Jérôme Salomon (WHO Assistant Director General) outlined workforce, integration, and financing gaps that hinder progress in many countries. Prof. Amam Mbakwem (University of Lagos, WHF Vice-President) addressed barriers faced in sub-Saharan Africa, while Dr. Rony Shimony (Mount Sinai, Atria Institute) underscored the empowerment of primary care teams to meet treatment targets. Eliezer Lappots-Abreu (Health Horizons International Foundation) highlighted the intersection of human rights, immigration, and equitable access to care. Dana Burduja (European Investment Bank) presented innovative financial models supporting health infrastructure, while Mark Barone (ForumCCNTs, Brazil) showcased multisectoral partnerships improving hypertension control in Brazil. The session called for global leadership, financing, and accountability ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
Speakers:
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| 13:15-14:15 | Lunch Break | |||||||||
| 14:15-15:00 |
Innovations in Drug Interventions for CVD at Primary Healthcare Level
This forward-looking session at the World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by Prof. Jagat Narula (President, World Heart Federation), explored cutting-edge advances in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy with a focus on primary care integration, adherence, and global accessibility. Dr. Lutz Hegemann (Novartis Global Health) emphasized innovative long-acting RNA-based therapies, health system strengthening, and community-based models to deliver care at scale, including programs across Rwanda, Vietnam, and sub-Saharan Africa. Prof. Tazeen H. Jafar (Duke-NUS, Singapore) presented evidence from community-led hypertension control models like COBRA, highlighting scalable task-shifting strategies in LMICs. Prof. Andrea Brandão (State University of Rio de Janeiro) advocated for simplified single-pill combinations to improve adherence in resource-limited settings. Dr. Sameer Bansilal (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals) outlined the promise of RNA therapeutics and annual dosing regimens to revolutionize prevention. The panel underscored the need for financing models, community engagement, and multisectoral partnerships to ensure innovations reach the most vulnerable populations worldwide. Speakers:
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| 15:00-15:45 |
Financial protection from catastrophic costs of CVD: What does it take to reduce CVD by 50%?
This insightful session at the World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by Payal Kohli (Johns Hopkins University / Duke University), explored global strategies to address multimorbidity in cardiovascular care. Prof. Bente Mikkelsen (WHF Advocacy Chair, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital) emphasized the urgent need for systemic health reforms, stronger primary care, and trust-building in low- and middle-income countries. Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis (Heart Sistas) and Dr. Lillian Mbau (Kenya Cardiac Society) underscored the importance of community-based education, health literacy, and culturally sensitive patient engagement to improve adherence and equity. Jeremiah Mwangi (World Heart Federation) highlighted WHF’s advocacy efforts to align global policy with practical implementation. Prof. Athena Poppas (Brown University) and Dr. John Harold (Cedars-Sinai, ACC Past-President) stressed the importance of integrated care models, early detection, digital innovations, and provider collaboration across specialties. The panel called for holistic, patient-centered approaches, scalable solutions, and stronger global policy action to confront the growing burden of cardiovascular multimorbidity worldwide. Speakers:
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| 15:45-16:15 | Break | |||||||||
| 16:15-17:00 |
Launch of the WH Report
In this pivotal session at the World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by Johanna Ralston (CEO, World Obesity Federation), the World Heart Report 2025 was officially launched, focusing on the complex relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Francisco Lopez-Jimenez (Mayo Clinic) presented key findings on obesity’s rapid global rise, its causal role in multiple cardiovascular conditions, and the urgent need to reframe obesity as a complex chronic disease rather than a lifestyle choice. Panelists—including Mariachiara di Cesare (University of Essex), Fausto Pinto (Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte), Pamela Cipriano (International Council of Nurses), and David Wood (University of Galway)—discussed multidisciplinary care models, upstream social determinants, the role of nursing in primary care, public health policy, global food systems, and the need for stronger political action. The session emphasized prevention, equity, and integrated clinical and policy interventions to address the obesity-driven CVD epidemic worldwide. Speakers:
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| Time | Sessions | |||||||||
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| 8:00-8:30 | Coffee & Mingle | |||||||||
| 8:30-9:15 |
Risk Factors: Of Inflammation, Added Inflamation and Out-of-Proportion Inflammation in CAD
In this highly engaging session at World Heart Summit 2025, moderated by Payal Kohli (Johns Hopkins University / Duke University), global experts explored the evolving role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and treatment. Y.S. Chandrashekhar (University of Minnesota) delivered a comprehensive pacesetter lecture on the biology of inflammatory plaque rupture, macrophage activity, and the emerging understanding of residual cardiovascular risk. Sidney Smith (UNC, WHF/AHA Past President) emphasized the importance of translating evolving evidence into clinical guidelines. Ana Munera Echeverri (SIAC) presented regional data from the Americas, linking high rates of obesity, diabetes, and pollution to systemic inflammation. Amitava Banerjee (UCL & Barts Health) highlighted the role of vaccines in inflammation reduction and the importance of integrated electronic health data systems. Antonio Ribeiro (Federal University of Minas Gerais) showcased AI-powered tools—including ECG-derived biological age—to quantify inflammation-linked risk. The panel called for biomarkers, imaging, and AI solutions to advance inflammation-focused prevention and treatment strategies globally. Speakers:
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| 9:15-10:00 |
Risk promoters and potentiators: Indoor air pollution
This important session addresses the often-overlooked health risks of indoor air pollution and its profound impact on cardiovascular disease, particularly in vulnerable populations such as women and children in low- and middle-income countries. Moderated by Dr. Nupoor Narula, experts from WHO, St. Jude, UT Health, Trivedi School of Biosciences, and National Geographic explore the link between indoor air pollution, noncommunicable diseases, and health equity. The panel highlights real-world examples, including India’s Ujjwala Yojana program and grassroots community-led clean cooking initiatives. Key discussions focus on scalable public health solutions, clean energy transitions, policy advocacy, private sector engagement, and integrating air quality into cardiovascular prevention strategies. This session provides actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and global health advocates working to address environmental determinants of cardiovascular and population health worldwide. Speakers:
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| 10:00-10:45 |
Unveiling Hidden Drivers of Cardiovascular Disease: Sugar in childhood & Beyond
This session explores the hidden role of sugar consumption in driving cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders from childhood through adulthood. Moderated by Dr. Nupoor Narula, global experts from the University of Oxford, University of Southern California, The George Institute, and the World Obesity Federation examine cutting-edge research linking early-life sugar exposure to long-term health risks. The panel highlights new findings from quasi-experimental studies, including UK post-war sugar rationing data, showing reduced risks of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular events when sugar intake is limited early in life. Discussions address the role of obesity prevention, health policy, taxation strategies such as soda taxes, reformulation, clear food labeling, and industry accountability. Speakers emphasize the importance of early interventions, parental education, and public health advocacy to reduce sugar consumption and its global health and economic burdens. This comprehensive session offers actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health leaders worldwide. Speakers:
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| 10:45-11:30 |
CVD in the Aftermath of War & Conflicts
This impactful session examines the devastating consequences of war, conflict, and humanitarian crises on cardiovascular health and noncommunicable diseases. Moderated by Finn Jarle Rode, global experts from the World Innovation Summit for Health, Lee Health Heart Institute, Emergency, St. John’s Medical College, and UNC School of Medicine discuss the unique challenges of delivering cardiovascular care in conflict zones. The panel explores disrupted healthcare systems, medication shortages, interrupted care for chronic conditions, and the long-term impact of trauma and forced displacement. Strategies for strengthening healthcare resilience include emergency preparedness, pre-positioning essential medicines, task-shifting to community health workers, mobile care delivery, telemedicine, and coordinated global advocacy. The session emphasizes the critical need for better data, international collaboration, protection of healthcare infrastructure, and stronger integration of NCD care into emergency response frameworks. A vital resource for health leaders, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations. Speakers:
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| 11:30-12:00 | Coffee break | |||||||||
| 12:00-12:45 |
Navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in cardiovascular health
This forward-looking session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovation are transforming cardiovascular care, prevention, and population health. Moderated by Ann Aerts (Novartis Foundation), global experts from UVA Health, NYU, St George’s University of London, EPFL Lausanne, and the Qatar Foundation highlight the critical role of AI in diagnostics, imaging, clinical decision-making, and precision population health. The panel discusses how integrating social determinants of health, wearables, genetics, and environmental data can identify at-risk groups and enable more targeted prevention strategies. Real-world initiatives like AI for Healthy Cities and Cardio for Cities demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive actionable insights and equitable healthcare interventions. The session emphasizes AI’s potential to predict cardiovascular risk, optimize resource allocation, strengthen healthcare systems, and ultimately reduce the global burden of heart disease and obesity across diverse populations. Speakers:
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| 12:45-14:00 | Lunch Break | |||||||||
| 12:45-13:15 |
Fireside chat - Viatris: Increasing awareness of the symptoms of Myocardial Infarction
This powerful fireside chat explores how early recognition of myocardial infarction symptoms can save lives, especially among underserved populations. Moderated by WHF President Jagat Narula, the panel features Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis (Heart Sistas) sharing her lived experience and advocacy work, alongside Joris Van Vugt (Viatris) offering insights from the healthcare industry. The discussion highlights systemic barriers such as delayed diagnosis, misinterpretation of symptoms in women and minorities, and healthcare inequities that burden patients and families. Speakers emphasize the need for community-based advocacy, trust-building, culturally tailored public health campaigns, and healthcare professional education to improve symptom recognition and timely response. Industry innovations, including ongoing clinical trials exploring self-administered antiplatelet therapies, are discussed as potential tools to reduce risk in high-burden settings. This session offers valuable insights for health leaders, policymakers, and patient advocates aiming to improve cardiovascular outcomes and equity. Speakers:
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| 14:00-14:45 |
Building Healthy Hearts: Promotion of Cardiovascular Healthy from Childhood
This expert panel explores the critical importance of promoting cardiovascular health starting in childhood to reduce the global burden of heart disease. Moderated by Gregory Lim (Nature Reviews Cardiology), leaders from the Mayo Clinic, Amrita Institute, American Heart Association, Ministry of Health Qatar, University of Lagos, Africa NCDs Network, and Ashoka University examine the life-course approach to cardiovascular prevention. The session highlights the role of maternal nutrition, childhood obesity, early education, urbanization, and socioeconomic factors driving early onset cardiovascular risk, particularly in LMICs. Speakers discuss evidence-based interventions including school-based health programs, sugary beverage taxation, tobacco control, digital health tools, youth-led advocacy, and policy reforms. Cultural, environmental, and structural barriers are addressed alongside strategies to make healthy choices easier and sustainable. This session offers a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and global health advocates to build healthier generations worldwide. Speakers:
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| 14:45-15:30 |
Cardio 4 Cities: Measuring and Transforming Urban Cardiovascular Health
This session presents Cardio for Cities, a global, scalable model to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) through city-based, data-driven interventions. Moderated by Ann Aerts (Novartis Foundation), panelists from the World Heart Federation, Swiss Re, Australia’s Ministry of Health, KU Leuven, and Umane explore how cities can serve as hubs for innovative public health action. The discussion highlights integrated care models, hypertension screening, cholesterol management, digital health tools, and multi-sector coalitions combining policymakers, insurers, civil society, and health systems. Speakers share real-world experiences from Brazil, Belgium, Australia, and beyond, demonstrating how locally tailored CVD prevention programs are already reducing stroke and heart attack rates while strengthening primary care access. With a focus on data integration, population health management, behavioral interventions, and sustainable governance, Cardio for Cities offers a proven roadmap for urban populations worldwide to tackle rising cardiovascular risk. Speakers:
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| 15:30-16:45 |
Joint Session with NCD Alliance / NCD Action in a Changing World: Priorities for the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health
This closing session focuses on global preparations for the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Moderated by Richard Horton (The Lancet), leaders from the World Heart Federation, NCD Alliance, WHO, GAVI, Resolve to Save Lives, Blue Circle Diabetes Foundation, and global health policy institutions discuss the urgent need for bold political commitments, financing, and accountability to meet global NCD targets. The session highlights the central role of hypertension control, taxation of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, and stronger regulation of commercial determinants of health. Panelists stress the integration of NCD care within primary healthcare, community-led advocacy, and the engagement of lived-experience voices in policymaking. As global health financing faces severe challenges, speakers call for innovative partnerships, domestic resource mobilization, and stronger multilateral action to reduce premature deaths from NCDs and meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.4. Speakers:
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