As we gathered once again—this time in Gaborone, Botswana, on 22 September 2025—at the GPIC Preconference Workshop, it marked the second milestone in an unfolding journey that began in Dublin earlier this year. What was once an ambitious vision to co-create the future of global palliative care has now taken tangible form through focused collaboration, iterative development, and genuine commitment.
Hosted as part of the 8th International African Palliative Care and Allied Health Services Conference (APCA 2025), this one-day workshop brought together original contributors from the Collaborating for Global Impact assembly in May and opened space to test and refine our work with a wider African audience. The session became not just a presentation of progress but a living, breathing co-creation space.
Testing Four Strategic Priorities
Since Dublin, each of the four strategic priorities had undergone a few rounds of virtual development. In Botswana, we presented these concepts to a broader, experienced, and deeply engaged group of African stakeholders. This was our testbed—to sense-check what we built, to strengthen what holds potential, and to rethink what needs local adaptation.
Here are the four strategic priorities we brought to the room:
- The Cicelys – Reframing Palliative Care to End Preventable Suffering
A global communications initiative—including a storytelling awards platform—to build awareness, challenge misconceptions, and inspire demand for palliative care through compelling public messaging. - The BEACON Fund – Elevating Global Majority Research
A collaborative research fund to empower early-career investigators from LMICs through mentorship, funding, and publication pathways—ensuring evidence is generated by those closest to the need. - 1PC – A One-Stop Global Hub for Palliative Care
A centralized digital platform to connect professionals, pool resources, share innovations, and empower the palliative care community across borders. - National Playbook – Catalyzing National Palliative Care Leadership
A guidance model for countries to build and strengthen national palliative care programs, including twinning partnerships, strategic roadmaps, and responsive learning frameworks.
These priorities were presented by fellow Dublin participants, each leading discussions and gathering invaluable feedback from APCA attendees—feedback that will shape the next phase of these global efforts.
Disclaimer: These four strategic priorities represent early ideas and concepts under exploration. They will continue to evolve as we process feedback and collectively decide on next steps. They are not yet funded or formally launched projects.
Honouring the Perspectives of Asia and Africa
As a representative from the Asia Pacific region, I was deeply humbled to stand alongside colleagues from across the African continent at this important gathering. Together, our regions represent the majority of the world’s population and carry an immense—and growing—need for palliative care. While resources are often limited, the resilience, innovation, and commitment within our communities are truly remarkable.
Global strategies in palliative care have too often been shaped without fully appreciating the lived realities of those in Asia and Africa. Whether it is the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Asia, or the ongoing challenges of communicable illness and limited access to essential medicines in Africa, solutions must be grounded in local context, culture, and systems.
This workshop offered a clear and meaningful opportunity for everyone to contribute valuable insight, leadership, and lived experience—helping to co-create more effective and compassionate global responses. Initiatives such as the 1PC global hub, the BEACON Fund for early-career researchers, and The Cicelys global storytelling campaign offer promising platforms to reflect and amplify not only the needs, but also the strengths and contributions of our regions.
With gratitude and hope, I carry the voice of Asia forward—alongside our African colleagues—as part of a collective journey. A journey rooted in equity, shaped by diverse perspectives, and united by a shared belief: that palliative care must be local in delivery, but global in solidarity.
In Gratitude and Unity
My heartfelt thanks to Global Partners in Care (GPIC) and Elea Institute for convening this space once again. Special appreciation to John Mastrojohn, Lacey Ahern, Callie Daniels-Howell and Lydia Thomas for your vision, your follow-through, and your unwavering belief in collaborative leadership.
Thank you to every colleague who contributed to the design, feedback, and facilitation of this workshop—and to the many African leaders who generously brought their experience into the room.
Most of all, thank you for keeping the spotlight on what unites us: our shared mission to prevent suffering and ensure dignity at every stage of life, for every person, in every place.
This preconference was not the final stop but another vital step. The real work continues—piloting these ideas, embedding them in systems, and mobilizing the collective power of our global community.
Let us continue to build a future of palliative care that is inclusive, responsive, and collaborative.
Written by Mr Giam Cheong Leong (APHN Executive Director )