This article advocates for the use of real-time genomic surveillance to control infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), building on the success of large-scale genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the need for a One Health approach, integrating laboratory-based surveillance, epidemic alert systems, and data sharing across sectors. Key recommendations include universal access to real-time whole genome sequence (WGS) data, integration of diagnostic microbiology data, clinical data, and epidemiological data into surveillance programs, cross-sectoral collaboration, international collaboration, responsible data sharing according to FAIR principles, and research on the implementation and cost-effectiveness of genomic surveillance systems. The article also highlights the importance of addressing health inequalities and ensuring global access to WGS-based methods for infectious disease surveillance and timely epidemic alerts. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of genomic surveillance during the pandemic, the role of WGS in clinical care and infection control, and the integration of genomic, clinical, and epidemiological data for enhanced surveillance. The article also addresses the challenges and benefits of pathogen sequencing data sharing, the design of national genomic surveillance systems, and the importance of a One Health approach for AMR surveillance and control. The article concludes with the need for harmonizing methods and applications across sectors to ensure effective global responses to infectious diseases and AMR.This article advocates for the use of real-time genomic surveillance to control infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), building on the success of large-scale genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the need for a One Health approach, integrating laboratory-based surveillance, epidemic alert systems, and data sharing across sectors. Key recommendations include universal access to real-time whole genome sequence (WGS) data, integration of diagnostic microbiology data, clinical data, and epidemiological data into surveillance programs, cross-sectoral collaboration, international collaboration, responsible data sharing according to FAIR principles, and research on the implementation and cost-effectiveness of genomic surveillance systems. The article also highlights the importance of addressing health inequalities and ensuring global access to WGS-based methods for infectious disease surveillance and timely epidemic alerts. It discusses the strengths and weaknesses of genomic surveillance during the pandemic, the role of WGS in clinical care and infection control, and the integration of genomic, clinical, and epidemiological data for enhanced surveillance. The article also addresses the challenges and benefits of pathogen sequencing data sharing, the design of national genomic surveillance systems, and the importance of a One Health approach for AMR surveillance and control. The article concludes with the need for harmonizing methods and applications across sectors to ensure effective global responses to infectious diseases and AMR.