One World for Health: WHA78 Unites Global Leaders to Address Health Challenges

The Seventy-eighth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) will take place from May 19 to 27, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, themed “One World for Health,” aims to bring together global leaders to tackle pressing health issues and reinforce international collaboration in public health.

Historic Moment: Pandemic Agreement

One of the key highlights of WHA78 is the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a groundbreaking initiative developed over three years of negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body. This agreement represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prevent future health crises and ensure global preparedness for pandemics.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating, “The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response.”

Key Priorities: Sustainable Financing and Budget Adjustments

Member States will focus on sustainable financing, with a proposed 20% increase in assessed contributions to support the next WHO Programme Budget (PB26-27) for 2026–2027. This budget, under the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), will be the first biennium under WHO’s global health strategy for 2025–2028.

The 2026–2027 budget was reduced by 22% from the original $5.3 billion to $4.267 billion to align with current financial realities. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to prioritize WHO’s core work and ensure efficient use of resources to meet global health goals.

On May 20, a high-level pledging event will occur to announce funding for WHO’s Investment Round, marking a critical step in securing financial support for global health initiatives.

Other Agenda Highlights: Diverse Health Topics

The assembly will address a wide range of health issues, including the health and care workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, climate change, and social determinants of health. Over 75 items and more than 40 resolutions are expected to be approved, many of which were previously discussed at the Executive Board’s 156th session.

Awards and Recognition: Honoring Public Health Achievements

On May 23, the WHA President will present public health prizes and awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to global health. Additionally, the Director-General will announce two Director-General’s Awards for Global Health on May 20.

Key Events and Side Activities: Engaging the Global Community

Forty-five side events will be held at the Palais des Nations from May 19 to 24, covering a variety of health-related topics. A high-level pledging event on May 20 will focus on sustainable financing for WHO, with Member States and partners expected to announce commitments.

On May 21, a Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing will take place, bringing together health and finance ministers, global partners, and technical leaders to identify strategies for strengthening health systems and universal health coverage.

Assembly Timeline: Key Dates and Events

• May 19: Opening of the Assembly, including the presidential address and Director-General’s speech. Committee A begins discussions on the Pandemic Agreement in the afternoon.
• May 20: Adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, followed by the High-level Segment featuring statements from dignitaries and the Director-General’s keynote speech. The Director-General’s Awards for Global Health will be announced. Evening: High-level pledging event for the WHO Investment Round.
• May 21: Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing.
• May 23: Presentation of Public Health Prizes and Awards.

The agenda may change, and a daily journal will be published on the WHA78 Documents page for updated information on daily schedules.

Pre- and Post-Assembly Sessions: Key Activities

The WHA78 follows the Forty-second Meeting of the Programme, Budget and Administrative Committee (PBAC42), held from May 14 to 16. After the assembly, the 157th Executive Board (EB157) meeting will take place on May 28 and 29, focusing on the appointment of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region.

About the World Health Assembly

The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization. It sets the organization’s policy and approves its budget, with participation from delegations from all WHO Member States.