New Delhi is set to host the second World Health Organization (WHO) Global Summit on Traditional Medicine from December 17 to 19, 2025. The summit, co-organized by the WHO and India's Ministry of Ayush, will convene policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and civil society leaders from across the globe. The aim is to foster a shared vision for balanced, inclusive, and sustainable health systems.
Under the theme "Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being," the summit will address the critical role of traditional medicine in contemporary healthcare. As health systems worldwide grapple with inequities, environmental stressors, and a surge in chronic diseases, the summit seeks to reaffirm the relevance of traditional medicine by grounding its practice in science, evidence, and responsible application.
Building upon the momentum of the first summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2023, this year's event in New Delhi signifies a crucial step in integrating traditional medicine into the global health agenda. Guided by the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, discussions will center on how traditional medicine systems can significantly contribute to people-centered healthcare and overall well-being. The summit will showcase emerging evidence, innovations, and policy pathways that support the safe, effective, and ethical integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.
The three-day program will commence with a high-level plenary session focused on restoring balance by examining gaps in knowledge, governance, access, and planetary health. This session will explore pathways toward a more resilient and inclusive global health future. Subsequent sessions will delve into scientific research, innovation, investment, and regulatory frameworks to strengthen traditional medicine's role as an evidence-driven contributor to sustainable development and universal health coverage.
One key focus will be the integration of traditional medicine into primary healthcare systems, drawing on experiences from regions like South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Discussions will highlight policy and legislative advancements that drive integration at the national level. Participants will also address the barriers and enablers for research production and application, as well as ethical considerations and strategies to combat misinformation.
Shyama Kuruvilla, director of WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Centre, emphasized the rising global demand for traditional medicine due to chronic diseases, mental health needs, stress management, and the search for meaningful care. She noted that traditional medicine is often the closest or only care available for many, offering personalized and holistic approaches that align with biocultural contexts and support overall well-being.
The summit aims to foster collaborations needed for traditional medicine to contribute at scale to the flourishing of people and the planet. WHO is also launching a global traditional medicine library, a digital platform with over 1.6 million scientific records, a traditional medicine data network, and a Framework on Indigenous Knowledge, Biodiversity and Health.
Expected outcomes of the summit include the announcement of new initiatives, collaborations, pledges, and commitments aimed at strengthening the evidence base, policy environment, and global cooperation in traditional medicine. These outcomes are poised to contribute to more holistic, resilient, and sustainable approaches to health, aligning with broader global health and development priorities. Discussions will also explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can harmonize scientific and traditional knowledge, promote equitable access, and foster people-centered innovation.
