Global Friends of Traditional Medicine Seek Collaborative Growth

Gathering in Geneva for Traditional Medicine

On September 25, 2026, a diverse group of representatives from WHO Member States, traditional medicine advocates, and international partners convened at the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva to celebrate Ayurveda Day and advance the dialogue surrounding traditional medicine.

The meeting marked the 8th assembly of the Group of Friends for Traditional Medicine, under the chairmanship of Indian Ambassador Arindam Bagchi. New members, including Egypt, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Suriname, joined the existing 32 Member States, reinforcing the growing interest in traditional practices around the globe.

Focus on Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine

One of the primary objectives of the gathering was to discuss strategies for accelerating the implementation of the Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine (2025-2034), which was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2025. Representatives exchanged insights on enhancing legal frameworks and overcoming obstacles related to the exportation of traditional medicine products.

Furthermore, attention was given to protecting the intellectual property rights of Indigenous knowledge and ensuring that local communities benefit from their traditional practices. The members also highlighted successful examples of medical tourism and collaborative efforts among different governmental sectors to support national centers of excellence in traditional medicine.

As the meeting concluded, the Group of Friends expressed their support for the WHO's commitment to traditional medicine, especially following the election of a new Director-General in 2027.

Upcoming WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine

During the discussions, Thai Ambassador Usana Berananda presented Thailand’s vision for hosting the 3rd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in November 2027. Taking over from India, which hosted the 2nd Summit in 2025, Ambassador Berananda emphasized the importance of continuity and shared wisdom in traditional practices.

“Traditional Medicine carries the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future,” she noted. Her vision revolves around three core themes: wisdom, well-being, and wealth, signaling a commitment to transforming recognition and commitment into actionable implementation.

Innovative Initiatives for Health and Well-being

Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, interim Director of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, introduced an innovative initiative called Living Well. This initiative proposes a multisectoral action framework designed to bolster health and well-being through cross-sector collaboration involving health, environment, agriculture, education, science, technology, trade, finance, tourism, and Indigenous affairs.

Additionally, a multistakeholder cooperation platform is envisioned to implement this framework, addressing shared challenges and possibly developing a global trust mark to advocate for responsible sourcing and sustainability in wellness products and services through independent verification.

Panel Discussion on Ayurveda's Impact

The program concluded with an engaging panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Pradeep Dua of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. Officials from India, Mauritius, Nepal, and Suriname shared their countries' experiences in promoting Ayurveda. Topics included research, innovation, the integration of Ayurveda into health systems, and strategies to enhance general health and well-being.

This discussion highlighted the potential contributions of traditional medicine practices in enhancing global health systems and supporting healthier lives for communities.