By Bunmi Yekini
Geneva, May 16, 2025 — Global health leaders, country representatives, and key stakeholders will gather in Geneva from May 19 to 27 for the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA78), as the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for unity under the theme “One World for Health.”
This year’s Assembly is poised to be one of the most consequential in recent memory, taking place at a pivotal moment as the world grapples with emerging health threats, funding constraints, and the long shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historic Pandemic Agreement on the Table
A defining milestone of WHA78 will be the anticipated adoption of the Pandemic Agreement, a landmark global compact three years in the making. Negotiated by WHO Member States through the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, the agreement aims to strengthen international cooperation and preparedness to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 catastrophe.
“This year’s World Health Assembly will be truly historic, with countries, after 3 years of negotiations, considering for adoption the first global compact to better protect people from pandemics,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The Pandemic Agreement can make the world safer by boosting collaboration among countries fairly in the preparedness, prevention and response to pandemics.”
If adopted, the agreement would be only the second ever approved under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, underscoring its global significance.
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Tight Budgets and Calls for Sustainable Financing
The WHA78 will also deliberate on the WHO Programme Budget for 2026–2027, a trimmed-down proposal reflecting today’s economic realities. The revised budget of $4.267 billion represents a 22% reduction from the initial proposal. Member States will also consider a 20% increase in assessed contributions—or membership fees—to bolster the organisation’s core functions.
The reprioritisation effort is aimed at reinforcing WHO’s core mandate and ensuring its alignment with urgent global health needs and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Sustainable financing has been central to our transformation efforts,” said Dr. Tedros. “We must invest smartly and equitably to meet the evolving demands of global health.”
A high-level pledging event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, where Member States and philanthropies are expected to announce fresh funding commitments to WHO’s Investment Round.
Packed Agenda, Critical Decisions
WHA78 is expected to approve over 40 resolutions and decisions across nearly 75 agenda items, covering a range of topics from climate change and health, antimicrobial resistance, and polio eradication, to the health workforce crisis and the role of social connection in well-being.
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Delegates will also review WHO’s 2024 Results Report, the final assessment of progress under the Thirteenth General Programme of Work and its “Triple Billion” goals.
Recognising Global Health Champions
On Friday, May 23, the WHA President will present public health prizes and awards, celebrating individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to public health. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, May 20, the Director-General is expected to announce two Global Health Awards, further spotlighting achievements in the field.
Tight Schedule, Leaner Format
Due to financial constraints, WHO has adopted cost-saving measures to streamline the event, including limiting hospitality, shortening speeches, and cutting back on displays and evening sessions.
Still, more than 45 side events are planned throughout the week, including a Ministerial Roundtable on health data and sustainable financing on Wednesday, May 21, where ministers of health and finance will explore scalable strategies for universal health coverage.
Looking Ahead
The Assembly follows a key preparatory meeting of WHO’s budget committee held from May 14–16 and will be succeeded by the 157th Executive Board meeting on May 28–29, where Member States will appoint the next Regional Director for the WHO African Region.
“This Assembly is a reminder that global health is a shared responsibility,” said Dr. Tedros. “Even in challenging times, we can come together to protect the right to health for everyone, everywhere.”