State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 16 Dec 2025

India to Host 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

Why in News? 

India will host the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi from 17–19 December 2025, building on the inaugural summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2023. 

Key Points 

• Organiser: Jointly organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush to advance global dialogue on health and well-being through traditional medicine. 
• Theme: The summit will be held under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,” focusing on equitable, sustainable health systems.  
• Global Focus: Policymakers and leaders from over 100 countries will participate to shape the future role of traditional medicine. 
• Vision: The event aims to reaffirm the relevance of traditional medicine while promoting its integration into national health systems based on science, evidence and responsible practice. 
• WHO Strategy: Discussions will align with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 to advance people-centred healthcare and planetary well-being. 
• Plenary Sessions: Key deliberations will cover restoring balance in health systems, scientific investment, governance, biodiversity stewardship, and Indigenous rights. 
• Innovation & Evidence: The summit will emphasize innovative approaches to elevate traditional medicine responsibly through ethical use of digital technologies, including AI. 
• Diverse Issues: Over 25 sessions will address regulation, integration, protection of biodiversity, and intellectual property rights.

WHO

• Founded: 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. 
• Type: Specialized agency of the United Nations for global public health. 
• Membership: 194 member states (as of 2025). 
• Objective: Promote health, achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and respond to global health emergencies. 
• Current Director-General: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (since 2017).