ABSTRACT:
Public health is increasingly shaped by political, commercial, and social forces that challenge the capacity of institutions to protect population health and advance equity. In this context, advocacy cannot be considered a complementary activity; it must occupy a central and sustained role in public health practice. This organised session marks the release of the second volume of the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Casebook on Advocacy in Public Health(1). The second volume builds on the foundations established in the first, offering new cases, with lessons learned, and practical insights that reflect emerging challenges and opportunities in public health advocacy. Volume 2 also emphasises innovation in advocacy actions, as well as the importance of evaluating them. The session will feature short presentations of selected cases from both volumes of the Casebook(1,2), illustrating diverse advocacy experiences across regions and health issues. Case authors will briefly present their work, highlighting strategies, challenges, and lessons learned. In addition, invited expert contributions will provide cross-cutting reflections on what is required for effective advocacy. The session will conclude with a round table debate involving speakers and participants, focusing on how public health professionals and their organisations can strengthen advocacy capacity, build effective alliances, and advance population health and equity in the face of emerging political and commercial challenges. By combining practice-based cases, expert analysis, and collective discussion, the session aims to critically examine the current landscape of public health advocacy at local, national, and global levels, encompassing both elite-driven advocacy and advocacy led by community-based organisations, as well as to analyse the role of other civil society actors in shaping public health policy and practice. The purpose is to equip participants with actionable insights and foster a more coordinated, confident, approach to public health advocacy, characterised by stronger and more inclusive population participation.