The United Nations Office at Geneva
Multimedia Newsroom
Conferences , Statements | UN
UN Secretary General message to 79th WHO World Health Assembly
Secretary-General's video message to the 79th World Health Assembly
Statements | António Guterres, Secretary-General
Excellencies, dear colleagues, friends, I send warm greetings to the 79th World Health Assembly.
This annual gathering is a vital opportunity for Member States to align and accelerate efforts to address global health challenges.
Challenges that have rarely felt more daunting. Over the past year, cuts to bilateral and multilateral aid have disrupted health systems and widened inequalities. Clinics have closed. Health workers have lost their jobs. Prevention, surveillance, and care have been weakened. Lives have been cut short.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has reprioritized and recalibrated, while continuing to deliver for Member States. Preserving core functions while providing technical leadership, operational support, and a trusted convening space. Delivering urgent health support within multiplying humanitarian emergencies. And looking to health challenges on the horizon. From the need to expand universal health coverage.
To the effects of climate change on people’s health.
To your discussions on pandemic preparedness, including the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing Annex.
WHO stands at the centre of our global health architecture. It must be strong and independent, with ample and sustainable financing. This Assembly’s work is critical for global health security and the promise of health for all — today and tomorrow. I thank all Member States for your leadership, commitment, and partnership for a healthier, safer, and fairer world.
And I wish you a very successful World Health Assembly.
Similar Stories
1
1
1
Statements , Conferences | WHO
WHO updates on Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda caused by Bundibugyo virus.
2
1
2
Conferences | UNMAS
UNMAS, GICHD and other stakeholders discuss future of demining under the theme “One Humanity”.
1
1
1
Statements , Conferences | HRC , OHCHR
Urgent debate on “Protection of Children and Educational Institutions in International Armed Conflicts: The Aerial Attacks on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, Iran, as a Grave Breach of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law”
1
1
Statements , Conferences | HRC
Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Ukraine
1
1
1
Conferences , Statements | HRC , OHCHR
Urgent debate "to discuss the recent military aggression launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on 28 February 2026, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives".
1
1
1
Conferences , Statements | HRC
Interactive dialogue with Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
5
2
5
Conferences | UNRISD , IPI
1
1
1
Statements , Conferences | HRC
Presentation of the High Commissioner's oral updates on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Human Rights Council
2
1
2
Statements , Conferences , Edited News | HRC
The UN’s top human rights forum gathered in Geneva on Monday, where Member States highlighted the growing civilian toll of war in the Middle East, sparked by Israeli and U.S. bombing of Iran, counter-strikes by Tehran against Gulf states and Israeli shelling of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to attacks by the armed group.
1
1
1
Statements , Conferences | HRC
Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
1
1
1
Statements , Conferences | HRC
Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine
2
1
2
Statements , Conferences , Edited News | HRC , OHCHR
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday presented to the 61st Human Rights Council his global update on the human rights situation.