WHA78: Dates & Key Information – May 2025
- The World Health Assembly will convene its Seventy-eighth session in geneva, Switzerland, from May 19-27, 2025, under the theme “One World for Health.” High-level representatives will gather to...
- This year's assembly occurs during a critical period as member states grapple with emerging threats and significant shifts in global health and international advancement.
- A central focus of WHA78 will be the Pandemic Agreement, a proposal developed over three years by WHO member states.
From May 19-27, 2025, the world health Assembly (WHA78) convenes in Geneva to address critical global health issues, with the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement as a primary focus. This pivotal meeting, themed “One World for Health,” will see high-level representatives from around the globe tackling pressing challenges and aiming to strengthen international collaboration for pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response. Simultaneously, the assembly will intentional on lasting financing for the WHO, considering a important increase in member contributions. The agenda includes discussions on the health workforce, climate change, and antimicrobial resistance, demonstrating a complete approach to global well-being. News Directory 3 will keep you informed. Discover what’s next for global health initiatives.
World Health Assembly to Address Pandemic Accord, Sustainable Financing
The World Health Assembly will convene its Seventy-eighth session in geneva, Switzerland, from May 19-27, 2025, under the theme “One World for Health.” High-level representatives will gather to tackle pressing global health challenges.
This year’s assembly occurs during a critical period as member states grapple with emerging threats and significant shifts in global health and international advancement. The theme emphasizes the WHO’s commitment to equity, ensuring everyone has an equal chance at a healthy life.
A central focus of WHA78 will be the Pandemic Agreement, a proposal developed over three years by WHO member states. Its adoption presents a chance to protect the world from future pandemics.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in preparedness, prevention and response to pandemics.
Another key priority is WHO’s sustainable financing. Member states will consider a 20% increase in assessed contributions toward the Program Budget 2026–2027, the first full biennium under WHO’s strategy for global health for 2025–2028.
The Programme Budget for 2026–2027 was under consultation by Member States, to prioritize activities and adjust the budget to the current financial realities, by reducing it by 22%, to US$ 4.267 billion, from the original proposed budget of US$ 5.3 billion.
Reprioritization of WHO’s work,including cost-saving measures and budget adjustments,will also apply to the current year,2025.The aim is to focus on WHO’s core work and increase efficiency. The reprioritization is a critical step to aligning WHO’s resources with the most urgent global health needs and getting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track.
A high-level pledging event for the Investment Round is scheduled for May 20, where member states and philanthropies are expected to announce funding for WHO.
The Health Assembly will also review the 2024 Results Report, measuring progress toward WHO’s Triple Billion targets.
The assembly will consider approximately 75 items and is expected to approve more than 40 resolutions, many from the Executive Board’s 156th session.
The agenda includes topics such as the health workforce, antimicrobial resistance, health emergencies, climate change, and social connection as determinants of health.
Public health prizes and awards will be presented on May 23, recognizing contributions to public health. The Director-General will also announce two Director-General’s Awards for Global Health on May 20.
Forty-five official side events will occur at the Palais des Nations from May 19-24.
A Ministerial Roundtable on data and sustainable financing will be held on May 21, bringing together ministers of health and finance to identify actions that strengthen health data systems and financing strategies.
Due to resource constraints, additional events will be limited. WHA78 will take place in a challenging financial environment. Several actions have been taken by the WHO in an effort to contain costs, including reducing speaking times when possible, in order to reduce evening sessions to a minimum, severely limiting hospitality, displays and exhibits and event costs, amongst other administrative cost-saving measures.
Member States and partners are organizing events on the sidelines of the WHA.
What’s next
Following the health Assembly, the 157th Executive Board meeting will take place on May 28 and 29, addressing the appointment of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region.