People with lived experience of chronic conditions are key epistemic authorities in global health

This opinion piece, authored by the Steering Committee Members of the WHO Symposium on Meaningful Engagement of People Living with Noncommunicable Diseases, Mental Health, and Neurological Conditions, calls for a shift from tokenistic involvement toward genuine, equitable partnerships with people with lived experience. It frames meaningful engagement as both a human right and a strategic investment to build stronger, more resilient, and people-centred health systems.