How can global health systems remain sustainable in a time of shrinking donor commitments, growing geopolitical instability, and increasing pressure on healthcare systems worldwide? These were among the central questions explored during the panel event“Financing Global Health: Present Challenges and Future Opportunities”, organized by the Master of International Healthcare Management, Economics and Policy (MIHMEP) at SDA Bocconi School of Management on 11 May 2026 in Milan.

The event brought together leading experts from international organizations, public health economics, auditing, and humanitarian response to discuss the evolving landscape of global health financing and the implications for international cooperation, health systems strengthening, and sustainable development.

Moderated by Viviana Mangiaterra, Academic Director of MIHMEP, and Alexander Hiedemann, Academic Coordinator of the Executive Master in Management of International Organizations (EMMIO), the discussion involved:

• Maria Kirova, Head of Department, High Impact, Africa Development, Global Fund;
• Michael Borowitz, Chief Economist, United Kingdom Health Security Agency;
• Daniele Alesani, Head of Internal Audit and Advisory Services, International Atomic Energy Agency;
• Jemma Arakelyan, CEO of The Institute of Cancer and Crisis.

The panel addressed one of the most pressing challenges currently facing the global health community: the growing gap between healthcare needs and available financing. Discussions focused on the implications of reduced contributions from traditional donors, the sustainability of disease-specific global programs, and the broader transition toward financing models centered on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Primary Health Care (PHC), and resilient health systems.

Panelists explored critical questions concerning donor dependency, fiscal sustainability, accountability mechanisms, and the role of both governments and private actors in financing healthcare systems. Particular attention was dedicated to understanding whether the current crisis reflects a lack of resources, inefficiencies in allocation, or structural weaknesses within the global health financing architecture.

The discussion also highlighted the tensions between global priorities and realities on the ground. Drawing from perspectives ranging from international funding mechanisms to humanitarian field operations, the speakers examined how financing decisions affect implementation capacity, emergency response, and access to healthcare services in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

Beyond identifying systemic challenges, the event focused on potential solutions and future opportunities. Panelists shared examples of financing mechanisms and policy reforms that have demonstrated positive impact and discussed the political, technical, and institutional barriers preventing their broader implementation. Questions surrounding domestic financing, innovative funding approaches, public-private partnerships, and governance reforms featured prominently throughout the discussion.

The event also provided an important learning opportunity for participants from the MIHMEP and EMMIO programs, who actively engaged with the speakers during an interactive Q&A session focused on leadership, policy priorities, and the future skills required to work in global health financing.

The panel ultimately reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue and international cooperation in addressing the future of global health governance. At a time of growing uncertainty and competing global priorities, the discussion emphasized the need for sustainable, accountable, and inclusive financing models capable of supporting resilient healthcare systems worldwide.

SDA Bocconi School of Management