Paul Zubeil
Paul Zubeil currently serves as the Deputy Director‑General for European and International Health Politics at the Federal [Ministry of Health (Germany)|German Federal Ministry of Health] and is a German global health expert. Zubeil is known for his work in multilateral governance, health diplomacy, pandemic preparedness, and global health financing. His career includes roles within international organizations such as the United Nations, and leading Germany’s health policy engagements with the G7 and G20.
Early life and education
Zubeil studied Business Administration at the University of Mannheim and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He holds a diploma in Strategic Public Procurement from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply.Career
Zubeil held multiple senior roles within the UNFPA from 2009 to 2021. He served as Deputy Director and Senior Policy and Strategic Partnerships Adviser from 2017–2021 at the UNFPA Liaison Office to the European Commission in Brussels, where he managed donor relations and institutional coordination. He directed operational and financial reporting structures and represented the agency in high-level EU political forums.Previously, he was Chief of Operations for UNFPA in Haiti, managing emergency operations in humanitarian and fragile contexts. In 2012, Zubeil served in an interim capacity with UNFPA in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading operational reforms to strengthen governance and financial accountability. Earlier roles included Finance and Budget positions at UNFPA Headquarters in New York and Liaison Officer to the European Commission.
Since February 2021, Zubeil has led Germany’s European and International health strategies at the Federal Ministry of Health. His responsibilities include leading health policy engagements with the European Union and the G7 and G20 health processes. In September 2024, he presented the federal government’s review process on global health architecture to the Bundestag’s Subcommittee on Global Health. Zubeil played an important role in the 2022 Catalyst Dialogue on Global Health Architecture, where he discussed fragmentation in global health institutions and the need for stronger coherence and coordination. At the Global Health Talk 2025, he spoke on the need for joint solutions in the face of global health financing challenges, emphasizing to need to rebuild donor confidence and develop coordinated solutions to sustain global health initiatives. Since 1 January 2026, Zubeil represents Germany on the OECD Health Committee, serving as a member of its Bureau, which leads the OECD’s work on comparative health system analysis and evidence-based health policy coordination among member states, succeeding Lars Schade in this function.
Public Health Engagements
Zubeil is an advocate for reforming global health organizations and architecture to optimize systems and drive improved health outcomes for all populations. His work is grounded in the conviction that inclusive leadership and UN reform, at both global and regional levels, are the cornerstones of an international health system that is resilient, equitable, and effective. Zubeil’s contributions and leadership have earned him the endorsement of prominent global health leaders, including Winnie Byanyima and Helen Clark.Zubeil regularly serves as co-chair and panelist at major international conferences on global public health. He has contributed to discussions at events such as the World Health Summit, the Global Health Talk, the European Health Forum Gastein, and the Catalyst Dialogue on Global Health Architecture.
Zubeil has been a key leader in the global HIV/AIDS response through his engagement with UNAIDS. As Chair of the 53rd UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board representing Germany, he facilitated institutional dialogue and strategic decision-making during a critical period of transformation for the Joint Programme. In the context of the UN80 reform plan and the proposal to sunset UNAIDS by 2026, Zubeil emerged as an influential voice of reason, expressing concern that abrupt structural changes could prioritize the appearance of integration over real effectiveness. While supporting the need for reform, he advocated for a measured approach that avoids panic and safeguards the unique, life-saving functions of the Joint Programme.