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May 16, 2025

WHA78 convenes from 19 May in Geneva

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FA News Desk
The flag of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) flies at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO/P. Virot

The flag of the UN World Health Organization (WHO) flies at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO/P. Virot

The Seventy-eighth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78) will convene from 19 to 27 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme “One World for Health”.

The Health Assembly will bring together high-level country representatives and other stakeholders to address health challenges. This year’s gathering comes at a pivotal moment for global health, as Member States confront emerging threats and major shifts in the landscape for global health and international development.

This year’s theme underscores WHO’s enduring commitment to solidarity and equity, highlighting that even in unprecedented times, everyone, everywhere should have an equal chance to live a healthy life. 

A highly anticipated moment of the WHA78 will be the consideration of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark proposal developed over three years of intense negotiations by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, composed of all WHO Member States.  

On the morning of Friday, 23 May, the WHA President will present public health prizes and awards, recognizing exceptional contributions by individuals and organizations to the advancement of public health.

It is also expected that the Director-General will announce two Director-General’s Awards for Global Health on the morning of Tuesday, 20 May.

Forty-five official side events will take place at the Palais des Nations from Monday 19 May to Saturday 24 May. 

As WHO’s highest decision-making body, the World Health Assembly sets out the Organization’s policy and approves its budget to be attended by delegations from all WHO Member States.