The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the global health landscape. It is significantly reshaping health systems and policies and the way in which organisations involved in international health cooperation are operating. The MMS Symposium examines the key structural determinants that have contributed to the disproportionate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalised and other groups, beyond the proximate drivers of the current crisis. It will further discuss the potentials of the concept of ‘Health for All’ as well as the international treaty on pandemic prevention and preparedness which will be discussed at the Special Session of the World Health Assembly in November 2021.