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The race for WHO's next Director-General is officially on. Seven candidates nominated by Member States will face off at a public forum in Geneva on November 18–19, 2026, with the World Health Assembly set to make the final appointment in May 2027. The new leader takes office on August 16, 2027.
The World Health Organization has officially announced seven candidates vying to lead the global health body as its next Director-General. Nominated by WHO Member States, the contenders include Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, Dr. María P. Neira, Mr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Dr. Li Song, and Dr. Gevorg Tamamyan — a geographically diverse field reflecting the organization's global membership.
The selection process unfolds in stages over the coming months. Candidates will first engage with Member States at a public forum in Geneva on November 18–19, 2026. From there, WHO's Executive Board will narrow the field to five at its 160th session in early 2027, interview them, and nominate up to three finalists for the World Health Assembly's consideration.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: WHO's leadership shapes global health priorities, pandemic preparedness, and international health policy for years to come — making this election one of the most consequential in global health governance.
