The Seventeenth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe met for its fifth session on 14 and 15 June 2010.

The meeting focused on preparations for the next Regional Committee (RC), taking place in Moscow, Russian Federation, in September. Committee members reviewed the draft documents and resolutions to be put to the RC and discussed issues relating to the technical and policy subjects on the agenda in September.

Health governance, a future partnership strategy, and the programme budget for 2012- 2013 were among papers discussed. An update on the review of WHO/Europe’s work in and with countries was given by Dr Tatul Hakobyan. A presentation on the new United Nations City in Copenhagen, Denmark was also well received.

The meeting was held at Häckeberga Castle in Sweden, hosted by the Government of Sweden.

The Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC), a subcommittee of the RC, acts for and represents the Regional Committee between annual meetings. The Standing Committee comprises representatives of nine countries, with each member elected by the Regional Committee to serve for three years.