The official launch of the Global Coalition for WHO Action on Gun Violence on 10 February 2026 was met with strong global participation and engagement. The online webinar marked the release of a major new research report analysing how the World Health Organization has addressed firearm violence between 2000 and 2025.
The findings underline significant gaps in global health governance, including the absence of references to firearms in World Health Assembly resolutions and declining institutional attention to gun violence over the past two decades. Speakers emphasised the urgent need to recognise gun violence as a preventable public health issue and to strengthen WHO leadership in this area.
The Coalition, now comprising nearly 100 organisations from more than 30 countries, aims to integrate firearm violence prevention into WHO frameworks, advance recognition of gun violence as a commercial determinant of health, and build momentum towards a future World Health Assembly resolution.
IFSW joined the Global Coalition for WHO Action on Firearm Violence because social workers witness every day how violence, inequality and weak protection systems harm people’s lives. From a social work perspective, prevention, community trust and social justice are as vital as clinical responses. This work is timely because coordinated global action will strengthen care, dignity and safety for all.
Pascal Rudin, Interim Secretary General of the International Federation of Social Workers, welcomed the initiative:
“As social workers, we see how gun violence harms families, traumatises children and undermines communities. It is a public health issue rooted in inequality and injustice. A prevention focused, trauma informed and community based approach reflects our core values. We welcome this Coalition as a vital step towards stronger global leadership and stand ready to contribute to prevention, healing and social justice.”
The launch was widely regarded as a significant and forward looking milestone. The full webinar recording is now available online for those who wish to view the discussion.