The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine officially kicked off on December 17, 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Co-hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Ayush, India, this three-day event (December 17–19) serves as a critical follow-up to the inaugural 2023 summit in Gujarat.
1. Core Event Details
- Theme: “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being.”
- Inauguration: Formally opened by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav.
- Global Participation: Features over 170 expert speakers and delegates from more than 100 countries, including policymakers, scientists, and indigenous knowledge holders.
- Hybrid Format: Conducted both in-person in New Delhi and virtually for a global audience.
2. Strategic Roadmap (2025-2034)
A central focus of the summit is the implementation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which aims to:
- Strengthen Evidence: Use science and data to validate traditional practices.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Ensure safety and quality through standardised global regulations.
- Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Integrate traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into national primary healthcare systems.
- Digital Integration: Leverage the Ayush Grid and AI to document and validate ancient knowledge.
3. Major Highlights & Launches
- WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL): Launch of the world’s most comprehensive digital repository, containing over 1.6 million scientific records to promote knowledge sharing.
- Focus on Ashwagandha: A high-level side event specifically debated the global impact of Ashwagandha, focusing on its adaptogenic and neuroprotective benefits and its journey toward global regulatory acceptance.
- Ayush Expo: An exhibition showcasing India’s diverse systems, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, alongside international traditional practices.
- Planetary Health: Sessions dedicated to “One Health,” biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of medicinal plant resources.
4. Summary for Quick Reference
| Feature | Details |
| Dates | December 17 – 19, 2025 |
| Location | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India |
| Organizers | WHO & Ministry of Ayush |
| Key Announcement | WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 |
| Key Tool | Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) |
| Closing Guest | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (expected Dec 19) |
5. Key Quote
“Health is not only about technology and treatment but also about balance, dignity, and the shared wisdom of humanity.” > — Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO (via video message)