Switzerland gets seat on WHO Executive Board from 2023 to 2026

The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). It convenes every spring in Geneva, this year from 21 to 30 May. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and revise and approve the proposed programme budget.

Switzerland appointed to the Executive Board

The Executive Board is composed of 34 members with expertise in the health sector, each elected for a three-year term. Switzerland previously held a seat on the Executive Board from 1999 to 2002 and from 2011 to 2014. It will do so again from May 2023 to 2026.

A seat on the WHO Executive Board allows Switzerland to bring to bear its interests and point of view. Thanks to its excellent health system, its globally leading research institutes, and its innovative pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology sector, it can play an important part in strengthening global health. In addition, the mandate on the Executive Board gives Switzerland a better insight into global health.

In the period from 2023 to 2026, Switzerland aims to help ensure that all countries are better prepared for health crises. Specifically, this extends to their ability to examine their own health status and to benefit from the experience of other countries. What is more, the improvement of existing platforms will facilitate the quick and reliable exchange of information between countries. This will allow more effective responses to health challenges both in normal circumstances and in times of crisis.