World Hearing Forum

Members

Memebership application

What you need to know to join the Forum

Please read the criteria, responsibilities and benefits of membership below. To make an application, please have the following documents in English ready to upload.

Documents to prepare

  • By-laws / constitution
  • Certificate of establishment
  • Sources of funding, including a list of donors and sponsors
  • List of names of members of the decision-making body, such as the Board
  • Report of activities in the public health domain including, but not limited to, healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce, education with a strong interest in ear and hearing care.

Membership application 2026

The applications are open until 30 November 2026.

Contact WHF

Why join?

  • To contribute to the global advocacy initiative.
  • For partnership with other members.
  • To interact with local, national, regional, and international organizations working towards a common goal at all levels.
  • Members will be listed on the Forum website and a certificate of membership will be provided.

Who can join?

  • Governmental and nongovernmental organizations
  • Organizations of persons with disabilities / user groups
  • Charitable/service organizations
  • Professional societies, parent groups, regional fora with a defined structure
  • Private sector entities including international business associations
  • Philanthropic foundations
  • Academic institutions

These organizations can apply for membership of the Forum.

Eligibility

  • Work actively in the public health domain including, but not limited to, healthy ageing, child health, rehabilitation, disability, nursing, health workforce and education.
  • Have significant actions or activities and a strong interest in ear and hearing care.
  • Be committed to the implementation of World Health Assembly resolution 70.13 and be willing to engage actively in the work of the Forum, including participation in the Membership Assembly of the Forum.
  • Have a proper governance structure and transparent funding and reporting systems.
  • Have a good standing and reputation in the field.
  • Have international, regional or multinational activities, wherever possible.

Responsibilities

All members must:

  • Actively initiate and participate in the activities, discussions and deliberations of the Forum.
  • Join the workstreams and contribute to the workplan.
  • Participate in regular workstream meetings and annual Forum meetings.
  • Promote the work, vision, goals and objectives of the Forum.
  • Share knowledge and information with other members of the Forum.
  • Undertake advocacy through World Hearing Day on 3 March each year.

What happens after you apply?

Once the application is received by WHO, it will be examined for completeness and an email of acknowledgement will be sent.

The steering committee will review all applications and make a recommendation to WHO. WHO will make a final determination after conducting due diligence, in line with policies of its Framework of engagement with non-State actors (FENSA).

You can expect a response within 6 weeks of application.

Write to whf@who.int for any further information.

Membership criteria

  • Membership will be for a 2-year period.
  • Possibility of renewal of membership post evaluation.