Equity and sustainable development – keeping people at the centre. Report of the 6th high-level meeting of small countries (2019)

Sixth high-level meeting of the small countries (San Marino, Republic of San Marino, 31 March–2 April 2019)

The Small Countries Initiative is a platform through which 8 Member States in the WHO European Region with populations of less than 2 million (Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino) can share their experiences in implementing Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda. At the Sixth high-level meeting of the Small Countries held in San Marino, Republic of San Marino, on 31 March–2 April 2019, they were joined by Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia.

The meeting provided the small countries with the opportunity to share their experiences in tackling health equity and using participatory approaches to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as their challenges in addressing issues related to human resources for health in small-country contexts. The San Marino Statement adopted at the meeting shows the commitment of the small countries to reducing inequities, and emphasizes that governments, health systems and public authorities, at all levels, have a role to play in ensuring that health equity is central to their policies, strategies and plans.