Key Highlights from the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026

The World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 wrapped up in Beijing on October 18, showcasing vital initiatives aimed at enhancing international health collaboration. Key outcomes were centered around integrating traditional medicine into the global health framework.

Beijing Initiative and Global Alliance Established

One of the conference’s notable achievements was the endorsement of the Beijing Initiative focused on the conservation and sustainable management of traditional medicinal plant resources. Additionally, the New-Era Shennong Herbal Project was promoted to support further research and development in herbal medicine.

The conference also heralded the formation of the Global Alliance for Traditional and Integrative Medicine (GATIM). This alliance aims to enhance scientific collaboration between nations, thereby facilitating a more unified approach to traditional medicine practices worldwide.

Highlighting the Role of Traditional Medicine

Co-hosted by several prominent Chinese health organizations and the World Health Organization (WHO), the conference was aligned with China's Healthy China initiative as guided by President Xi Jinping. This initiative emphasizes the role of a healthy population in national success.

During the opening ceremony, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed traditional medicine's importance, highlighting its long-standing role in promoting health and wellness. He urged countries to harness their traditional medicine resources collaboratively to tackle global health challenges.

Technological Innovations and Future Directions

Emphasizing the intersection of technology and traditional practices, Premier Li underscored the need for scientific advancements to propel traditional medicine forward. He announced plans for digital transformation within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), encouraging research institutions from around the globe to engage with China on this initiative.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking via video, echoed the sentiment that collaboration between traditional and scientific knowledge is crucial for developing effective health solutions. He called for greater evidence to support what methods work best in traditional medicine.

Integrating Traditional Medicine into Health Systems

The conference maintained a focus on integrating traditional medicine into mainstream health systems, aligning with the WHO Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine 2025–2034. Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasized this integration as foundational to future health strategies.

Throughout the two-day event, nearly 2000 attendees from 103 regions engaged in discussions covering important topics. These included integrating traditional medicine into international health systems, ensuring regulatory safety, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing traditional practices. Over 150 high-level speeches highlighted the collective wisdom and advancements in the field.

The conference, themed "Technology Empowerment and Integrated Development: Advancing Traditional Medicine for All," hosted multiple forums and ministerial discussions aimed at advancing the WHO’s four objectives for traditional medicine strategy.