WHA78 Set to Shape Global Health Future Under Theme “One World for Health”
Key Agenda Includes Historic Pandemic Agreement, Sustainable Financing, and Public Health Priorities.
Geneva:
The Seventy-eighth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78), the premier decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), is convening in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to 27, under the timely and unifying theme “One World for Health.” The session brings together high-level representatives from WHO’s 194 Member States, global health leaders, and development partners at a pivotal time for international health policy.
This year’s theme reinforces WHO’s enduring commitment to equity and solidarity, emphasizing that all people, everywhere, must have an equal opportunity to live healthy lives—even in times of global crises.
Defining Moment: Adoption of the Pandemic Agreement
A historic highlight of WHA78 is the expected adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark international accord aimed at preventing a repeat of the global disruption caused by COVID-19. Developed through three years of intensive negotiations by WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, the agreement marks only the second time a proposal has been brought forward under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, which allows the agency to create legally binding agreements on global health.
“This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting fair collaboration in preparing for, preventing, and responding to future pandemics.”
Key Priorities: Sustainable Financing and Strategic Budgeting
Another cornerstone of WHA78 is the push for sustainable financing of WHO’s core functions. Member States will debate a proposed 20% increase in assessed contributions (membership dues) for the next biennium, part of the Programme Budget 2026–2027 (PB26–27). The proposed budget—revised down to US$ 4.267 billion from an initial US$ 5.3 billion—reflects the financial realities Member States face and is the first full budget cycle under the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14), guiding global health strategy from 2025 to 2028.
Budget reprioritization will also be implemented for the current year, 2025, as WHO seeks to enhance cost-efficiency and align its resources with the most urgent global health needs. These changes aim to fast-track progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health.
A high-level pledging event for WHO’s Investment Round is scheduled for Tuesday, 20 May, where Member States and philanthropic organizations are expected to announce new funding commitments.
Comprehensive Agenda with Over 75 Topics
The Health Assembly’s packed agenda includes deliberations on over 75 items, with at least 40 resolutions and decisions expected. Key discussion points include:
- Strengthening the global health workforce
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance
- Enhancing pandemic preparedness and emergency response
- Tackling polio and climate change impacts
- Exploring the role of social connection in health
The Assembly will also evaluate progress based on WHO’s 2024 Results Report, which measures outcomes against the Triple Billion targets of its Thirteenth General Programme of Work.
Key Events and Milestones
May 19 (Monday):
Opening session with keynote addresses by Dr. Tedros and the WHA President; Committee A will begin discussions on the Pandemic Agreement.
May 20 (Tuesday):
- Expected formal adoption of the Pandemic Agreement
- Director-General’s Awards for Global Health presentation
- High-Level Segment featuring dignitaries’ statements
- Evening: Pledging event for WHO’s sustainable financing strategy
May 21 (Wednesday):
- Ministerial Roundtable on Health Data and Sustainable Financing, bringing together health and finance ministers to explore scalable, country-led strategies
May 23 (Friday):
- Presentation of Public Health Prizes and Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to global health
A total of 45 official side events will take place from May 19 to 24 at the Palais des Nations, covering thematic areas from universal health coverage to innovation in healthcare delivery.
Post-Assembly Timeline
Following WHA78, the 157th Executive Board (EB157) meeting will be held on May 28–29, where one major agenda item will be the appointment of the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region. This follows a special session of the AFRO Regional Committee held on May 18 to nominate a candidate.
About WHA
The World Health Assembly is WHO’s highest decision-making body. It meets annually to determine the organization’s policies, approve its budget, and review work accomplished. With participation from all 194 WHO Member States, WHA78 is set to be a defining event in global health governance in 2025, shaping the post-pandemic world for a healthier and more resilient future.
