European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare

On 11 and 12 June 2024, around 450 people joined us to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) and its continued commitment to protecting public health. The conference brought together prestigious speakers from all over the world and renowned guests from:

• national authorities,
• international organisations,
• industry,
• academia, and
• associations representing professionals, patients and donors, and consumers

to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in public health. More than just a conference, the #EDQM60 event was an experience, filled with thought-provoking presentations and discussions, touching patient testimonies, a historical exhibition in the Palais de l’Europe and an active and engaged audience. It was a moment of celebration and togetherness for better health, for all.

The conference was divided into three thematic sections, entitled "Today”, “Tomorrow” and “Together”.

Download the programme

List of speakers and their profiles

OPENING SESSION - 60 years of success

The opening session of the conference included speeches from high-level officials who paid tribute to the rich history and leadership of the Council of Europe and the EDQM in improving public health: Marija PEJČINOVIĆ BURIĆ (Secretary General of the Council of Europe), Aurimas PEČKAUSKAS (Vice-Minister of Health of the Republic of Lithuania), Pierre-Alain FRIDEZ (Vice-President to the Parliamentary Assembly, Council of Europe), Rainer BECKER (Director for Medical Products and Innovation, European Commission), Emer COOKE (Executive Director, European Medicines Agency) and Petra DOERR (Director, EDQM, Council of Europe).

Watch the recording

TODAY – Navigating public health challenges in 2024

Renowned experts from national authorities, industry, academia and professional associations shared their perspectives in thought-provoking panel discussions on today’s public health challenges. The session also provided insights into the pivotal role the EDQM plays in the current public health system framework.

Part 1 - Watch the recording (from minute 59:30 to the end)

Part 2 - Watch the recording (up to minute 37:25)

​Download the presentation:

• What does the EDQM do for me and my health, Petra DOERR, Director, EDQM, Council of Europe

TOMORROW – The future of public health

A new era in public health opens before us. Key trends and developments, such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, 3D printing and gene therapy, will have a transformative impact on public health in the years to come. Our speakers, renowned experts in their field, shared their valuable perspectives on these development and trends.

Watch the recording (from minute 37:40 to the end)

Download the presentations:

• “The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in health: hopes, risks and success factors”, Eric SUTHERLAND, Senior Health Economist, Health Division, Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD)
• "Health is turning digital:  where we are and what’s next", David NOVILLO ORTIZ, Unit Head, World Health Organization (WHO) (available soon)
• Environment / sustainability in health: drivers for change by the pharmaceutical industry”, Fiona ADSHEAD, Chair, Sustainable Healthcare Coalition and Kirsty REID, Director Science Policy, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA)
• “Biomanufactured organs-on-demand: opportunity, progress, and implications”, Scott Mark SKYLAR-SCOTT, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, Stanford University
• “Unlocking the potential of gene therapy in health”, Alexandre MEJAT, Deputy Director, International Scientific Networks, AFM-Téléthon
• “The EDQM and the future: our contribution to the evolution of public health”, Petra DOERR, Director, EDQM, Council of Europe

Questions and answers from the "Tomorrow" session

TOGETHER – Harnessing the power of collaboration

Our success relies on collaboration and joining forces with stakeholders in Europe and beyond to ensure better access to and availability of medicines and health products. Over time, the EDQM has leveraged on and established multifaceted collaborations, each with a common purpose: public health protection for citizens in Europe and beyond. This session highlighted how the EDQM works with its stakeholders and how working together is the key to better health, for all.

 Watch the recording

An exhibition on the EDQM’s evolution over the last 60 years was available in the foyer of the Hemicycle. From the pioneering role of the Council of Europe in public health protection in the 50s to the COVID-19 pandemic and the EDQM’s plans for the years to come, the exhibition was a visually engaging journey into 60 years of leadership and collaboration for public health protection.

See the exhibition

Watch the video on EDQM’s history

The first day of the conference was followed by a networking celebrational event emphasising the power of collaboration, with the participation of Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Thank you to all speakers and participants that promoted our event on social media. Keep the conversation going with #EDQM60.

Communication kit

See the conversation about the conference on social media.