The ELIXIR International Strategy is a comprehensive framework to guide ELIXIR’s engagement and collaborations beyond Europe, focusing on global visibility, strategic partnerships and shaping policy development. It aims to increase the recognition of ELIXIR’s flagship resources, enhance bioinformatics services through collaborations with international initiatives and actively contribute to shaping global open science and open data policies. The strategy aligns with international research infrastructure agendas, emphasising FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices and the crucial role of research infrastructures (RIs) in addressing global challenges. The strategy outlines ELIXIR’s engagement plans with countries and regions, as well as with other global organisations. It also provides examples of ELIXIR’s collaborative efforts with international initiatives, illustrating its commitment to building a cohesive global ecosystem for life sciences data.