The Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030 and the UN High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth’s report, Working for Health and Growth present a vital road map to ensure an adequate, fit for purpose and sustainable workforce to address current and future needs. Together, they make the case for more and better investments, with strengthened engagement across education, employment, finance, health and labour sectors fundamental. The Fourth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health provides a key opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss and debate innovative approaches towards advancing the implementation of the Global Strategy and the Commission’s recommendations, and show a collective commitment to developing and making available the workforce required to deliver the SDGs.