WHO and Health Education England (HEE) are working in collaboration to develop the next international generation of Human Resources for Health (HRH) system leaders. The desire is to create a lasting impact in strengthening health systems in partner countries. In support of the International Year of Health and Care Workers, the WHO and HEE are hosting a series of four open access seminars focusing on the importance of health workforce strengthening. Open to all, these explore the powerful impact that effective workforce planning can have on health systems throughout the world. The first of four seminars took place on the 13th December 2021. It brought together international leaders in the field of workforce planning and enabled attendees to understand the importance of systemic workforce planning, as well as its contribution to the development of strengthening of health care systems.