India Welcomes 5,000 Delegates for WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

India is set to host the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19, 2025, in New Delhi. This significant gathering aims to promote the integration of traditional medicine into global health systems, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices. The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam and is expected to attract around 5,000 virtual delegates from over 100 countries, alongside nearly 700 in-person participants, including more than 20 Ministers and Vice Ministers of Health.

The Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride in hosting the Summit, following the success of its inaugural edition in Gujarat in 2023. He highlighted the significance of the event, stating it serves as a pivotal milestone in mainstreaming traditional medicine for holistic health, resonating with India’s vision of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah,” which translates to the well-being of all.

Summit Focus and Key Themes

The theme for this year’s Summit is “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.” It will provide a platform for policymakers, health leaders, researchers, industry experts, and practitioners of traditional medicine to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing scientific evidence, regulation, safety, and quality standards within the field.

A notable aspect of the Summit will be a dedicated session on Ashwagandha, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ayush and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. This session will explore the traditional significance of Ashwagandha, its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, as well as frameworks for safety and quality assurance.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, emphasized that the Summit will contribute to shaping a global roadmap for integrating traditional and indigenous medicine into national healthcare systems. This integration will rely on research, innovation, and the establishment of more robust regulatory mechanisms.

Closing Ceremony and Global Significance

The closing ceremony of the Summit is expected to be graced by the Prime Minister of India, further underscoring the significance of this international event. With participation at an unprecedented scale, India is reaffirming its leadership role in advancing holistic, integrative, and sustainable healthcare practices globally.

As the countdown to the Summit begins, the event promises to set a precedent for future collaborations in the realm of traditional medicine, paving the way for new research and policy developments. The ongoing commitment to traditional medicine represents not only a cultural heritage but also a vital component of global health strategies.