In the last decade, the world has come a long way on the journey to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). Who could have imagined then that the leaders at this week’s UHC forum in Tokyo would put the full weight of their political agendas behind extending affordable, quality health services to all? The announcement by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Japan will give $2.9 billion to shore up health care in countries that are implementing universal health coverage sparked excitement there.

It was fitting for Japan, a global UHC trailblazer, to highlight the need for accountability targets: extending basic health care coverage to an additional 1 billion people and reducing the number of people who fall into extreme poverty due to health care costs by 50 million by 2023. World Bank President Jim Kim applauded Japan’s decision to prioritize investments in that nation’s human capital. The rewards have certainly paid off, with Japan’s life expectancy now the highest in the world.

Whether or not ministers of finance and heads of state present in the grand hall this week will be moved to invest more in their people’s health remains to be seen. President Jim Kim’s announcement that World Bank nations will be rated on their human capital investment — which could eventually affect bond spreads and foreign investment — sent a ripple of nervous claps through the audience. It’s not meant to be punitive, he said; it’s the right thing to do.

The global health community must ask itself honestly how much does "being on the right side of history" inspire individuals, communities, and nations to care for those that need it most, those left behind, and those with no voice?

Read the full article on a pivotal moment for universal health coverage at United Nations Foundation.