The UNESCO-Human Variome Project Workshop Series on Introduction to Genetic and Genomic Counselling 2026

The Human Variome Project is proud to announce the successful completion of the Workshop Series on Introduction to Genetic and Genomic Counselling 2026, conducted from 3 April to 31 July 2026.

This international workshop series brought together 25 participants from six countries across different regions, reflecting the growing global interest in strengthening knowledge, skills, and capacity in genetic and genomic counselling.

The programme featured:

• 7 expert lectures covering key principles and practices in genetic and genomic counselling
• 1 interactive role-play session providing participants with practical counselling experience
• Quizzes following each lecture to reinforce knowledge and understanding
• Reflective writing following the role-play session to encourage critical reflection and deeper learning

The programme was supported by 6 distinguished speakers and 3 facilitators, who generously shared their expertise and experience throughout the workshop series.

Beyond the educational component, the workshop served as an important platform for international knowledge exchange, cross-cultural learning, and professional networking, connecting participants from diverse healthcare and geographical backgrounds.

The successful completion of this workshop series represents an important achievement for the UNESCO–Human Variome Project collaboration, demonstrating the value of international partnerships in advancing genetic and genomic literacy and capacity building, particularly across diverse global communities.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all speakers, facilitators, and participants for their expertise, commitment, and active engagement, which made this initiative a success.

Through UNESCO–HVP collaboration, we continue to build knowledge, strengthen capacity, and promote more informed, accessible, and inclusive approaches to genetic and genomic counselling worldwide.

Global Globin 2020 Challenge Conference 2019

The Global Globin 2020 (GG2020) was an initiative under the Human Variome Project (HVP), established in 2014, aimed at strengthening the global collection, consolidation and sharing of genomic data related to haemoglobinopathies, including thalassaemia.

The initiative sought to bring together genetic and clinical information from diverse populations, helping researchers and healthcare professionals better understand genetic variation, disease phenotypes and differences across ethnic groups, while supporting greater access to genomic information.

As part of this initiative, the GG2020 Challenge Meeting and Conference 2019 was held from 28–30 October 2019 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, under the theme “Enhancing Partnership in Genomic Capacity and Equitable Healthcare.”

The meeting brought together around 80 researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals and experts from different backgrounds, featuring plenary lectures, scientific symposia, oral presentations and posters.

A key outcome was the rebranding of GG2020 as the Global Globin Network (GGN), strengthening international collaboration in globin research and genomic healthcare.

📍 UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
📅 28–30 October 2019

GG2020 has since evolved into the Global Globin Network (GGN), continuing its mission to foster global collaboration, data sharing and advances in genomic healthcare for haemoglobinopathies.

Global Globin 2020 Challenge Conference 2018

Launched by the Human Variome Project (HVP) in 2014, the Global Globin 2020 (GG2020) Challenge was established as a global initiative to strengthen capacity, collaboration and knowledge sharing in human genetics and genomics, with a particular focus on haemoglobinopathies such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.

Since its launch, GG2020 brought together the international haemoglobinopathy community through conferences held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2017), Penang, Malaysia (2018), and UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France (2019).

The 2018 GG2020 Challenge Conference, held on 7–8 July 2018 in Penang, centred on the theme “Precision Medicine in Thalassaemia.”

The two-day programme brought together experts from Malaysia and around the world, with sessions covering gene therapy, molecular diagnostics, translational genomics, prevention and screening, G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease, and thalassaemia management.

The programme featured distinguished speakers including Professor Sir John Burn, Professor Dr. Antonio Piga, Professor Emeritus Dr. Suthat Fucharoen, Dr. Carsten Lederer, Dr. TP Baskaran, and Dr. Michael Angastiniotis of the Thalassaemia International Federation, alongside many other experts and contributors from across the international haemoglobinopathy community.

With Prof. Dr. Zilfalil Alwi serving as Organising Chair, the conference provided a platform for discussions on translational genomics, international partnerships and knowledge sharing, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing precision medicine and improving outcomes for populations affected by haemoglobinopathies.

HVP was proud to initiate and support the GG2020 Challenge, bringing together partners and experts across borders in the shared pursuit of genomic medicine for clinical benefit.

GG2020 Challenge is now known as the Global Globin Network (GGN).

Global Globin 2020 Challenge Conference 2017

Launched by the Human Variome Project (HVP) in 2014, the Global Globin 2020 (GG2020) Challenge was established as a global initiative to strengthen capacity, collaboration and knowledge sharing in human genetics and genomics, with a particular focus on haemoglobinopathies such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.

Since its launch, GG2020 brought together the international haemoglobinopathy community through conferences held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2017), Penang, Malaysia (2018), and UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France (2019).

The 2017 GG2020 Challenge Conference, held on 17–18 July 2017 at Impiana KLCC Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, centred on the theme “Moving Towards Zero Thalassaemia.” It followed the annual GG2020 meeting held at the same venue on 16 July.

The annual meeting brought together GG2020 members and representatives from nine countries, with discussions focusing on future projects, international collaboration and the development of the GG2020 Thalassaemia Kit. The conference that followed featured presentations and discussions covering thalassaemia epidemiology, prevention, guidelines, ethics, education and emerging areas such as stem cell therapy.

The conference featured 15 speakers from nine countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and Pakistan. The programme also featured 42 e-posters, providing opportunities for researchers and healthcare professionals to share their work and knowledge with the international haemoglobinopathy community.

With Prof. Dr. Zilfalil Alwi serving as Chairman of the GG2020 Conference, the Kuala Lumpur meeting provided an important platform for strengthening international partnerships, sharing expertise and advancing collaborative efforts in thalassaemia research, prevention, education and genomic medicine.

HVP was proud to initiate and support the GG2020 Challenge, bringing together partners and experts across borders in the shared pursuit of genomic medicine for clinical benefit and the goal of moving towards zero thalassaemia.

GG2020 Challenge is now known as the Global Globin Network (GGN).