Seven candidates have been proposed by Member States of the World Health Organisation to contest for the position of Director-General. The candidates represent seven countries and will face a competitive leadership race ahead of the expiry of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' final term in August 2027. The candidates are Dr Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari of Qatar, Dr Hanan Balkhy of Saudi Arabia, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge of Belgium, Dr María P. Neira of Spain, Budi Gunadi Sadikin of Indonesia, Dr Li Song of China and Dr Gevorg Tamamyan of Botswana.
The seven nominees will face their first major engagement with WHO Member States and Associate Members during a candidates' forum scheduled for November 18-19, 2026. The forum will provide an opportunity for the candidates to present their credentials, outline their priorities and respond to questions from Member States as they seek support for the top position at the global health agency. The proceedings will be publicly webcast on the WHO website in the organisation's six official languages.
The selection process will subsequently move to the WHO Executive Board, which will consider the candidates and draw up a shortlist of five during its 160th session in early 2027. Members of the Executive Board will then interview the shortlisted candidates before nominating up to three for consideration by the World Health Assembly, the organisation's highest decision-making body.
A second candidates' forum, featuring those nominated by the Executive Board, is scheduled for March 15, 2027. This forum will provide another opportunity for the candidates to engage with Member States and present their qualifications. The final decision will be made during the 80th session of the World Health Assembly in May 2027, when Member States will appoint the next Director-General.
The incoming Director-General will take charge of the organisation at a critical time for global health. The next leadership is expected to steer international health priorities, strengthen health systems and coordinate responses to emerging and existing public health challenges. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is preparing to leave office after completing his second five-year term on August 15, 2027.
Under WHO rules, the Director-General serves a five-year term and may be reappointed only once, limiting the position to a maximum of two terms. Dr Tedros, who was first appointed in 2017 and reappointed in 2022, is therefore ineligible for another term. The leadership transition marks a significant change for the organisation, which plays a critical role in global health governance.
The World Health Organisation plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses and setting international health priorities. The next Director-General will have to navigate complex global health challenges, including pandemics, health inequalities and access to healthcare. The organisation's ability to respond to these challenges will depend on the leadership and vision of its next Director-General.
Key points
- The seven candidates for the position of Director-General of the World Health Organisation will face a competitive leadership race ahead of the expiry of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' final term in August 2027.
- The selection process will involve a candidates' forum, interviews with the WHO Executive Board and a final decision by the World Health Assembly in May 2027.
- The incoming Director-General will take charge of the organisation at a critical time for global health, with significant challenges to be addressed in international health priorities, health systems and public health responses.
