Bangkok Declaration
On Health Research for Development

The International Conference on Health Research for Development brought together more than 700 participants representing a wide range of stakeholders in health research from developing and developed countries. Conference participants from over one hundred countries welcomed the interactive and participatory nature of the discussions.

Having reviewed the reports from the various regional and country consultations, and taking into account both the in-depth analysis of progress in health research over the past decade and the discussions before and during the meeting, We the participants make the following Declaration.

The Conference reaffirms that health is a basic human right. Health research is essential for improvements not only in health but also in social and economic development. Rapid globalization, new understanding of human biology, and the information technology revolution pose new challenges and opportunities. Social and health disparities, both within and between countries, are growing. Given these global trends, a focus on social and gender equity should be central to health research. In addition, health research, including the institutional arrangements, should be based on common underlying values. There should be:

• a clear and strong ethical basis governing the design, conduct and use of research
• the inclusion of a gender perspective;
• a commitment that knowledge derived from publicly funded research should be available and accessible to all;
• an understanding that research is an investment in human development; and
• a recognition that research should be inclusive, involving all stakeholders including civil society in partnerships at local, national, regional, and global levels.

• coherent and coordinated health research strategies and actions that are based on mutually beneficial partnerships between and within countries;
• an effective governance system;
• a revitalised effort from all involved in health research to generate new knowledge which addresses the problems of the world's disadvantaged, and increases the use of high quality, relevant evidence in decision-making.

It is the responsibility of an active civil society through their governments and other channels to set the direction for the health research system, nurture and support health research, and ensure that the outcomes of research are used to benefit all their peoples and the global community.
We the participants commit ourselves to ensuring that health research improves the health and quality of life of all peoples.
The work carried out in preparation for, and during, the Conference should continue, through a process that will allow all stakeholders to contribute to debate and decisions on the key issues for the future of health research for development.