The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially announced seven candidates vying for the position of Director-General, succeeding Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose second term ends in August 2027. The candidates, representing seven countries, are Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari (Qatar), Hanan Balkhi (Saudi Arabia), Hans Henri P. Kluge (Belgium), Maria B. Nera (Spain), Budi Gunadi Sadikin (Indonesia), Li Song (China), and Gevorg Tamamyan (Armenia, proposed by Botswana).
The selection process for the new Director-General comes at a critical time, with the organization facing significant challenges, including international health crises, geopolitical tensions, and difficulties in financing multilateral cooperation. The process is set to begin with public hearings on November 18-19, 2026, at WHO's headquarters in Geneva, where the seven candidates will present their visions and answer questions from member states and associate members.
The WHO's Director-General is elected by the organization's member states for a five-year term. The election process involves a series of hearings and negotiations, with the goal of selecting a candidate who can effectively lead the organization in addressing global health challenges. The candidates will be evaluated based on their experience, vision, and ability to navigate the complex landscape of international health policy.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, a Belgian national, has extensive experience in health policy and management, having served as the WHO's Representative to Turkey and as a senior advisor to the European Commission. Maria B. Nera, a Spanish national, has a background in public health and has worked with the WHO on various projects, including the organization's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Budi Gunadi Sadikin, an Indonesian national, has a strong background in health policy and management, having served as the Minister of Health of Indonesia and as a senior advisor to the World Bank. Li Song, a Chinese national, has experience in international health policy and has worked with various organizations, including the WHO and the Chinese Ministry of Health.
Hanan Mohamed Al-Kuwari, a Qatari national, has a background in public health and has worked with various organizations, including the WHO and the Qatar Ministry of Health. Hanan Balkhi, a Saudi national, has experience in health policy and management, having served as a senior advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Health and as a consultant to the WHO.
The public hearings and subsequent negotiations will ultimately lead to the selection of the next WHO Director-General, who will face significant challenges in addressing global health issues, including pandemics, health inequities, and climate change. The new Director-General will need to navigate these challenges while promoting cooperation and coordination among WHO member states.
Key points
- The WHO has announced seven candidates for the Director-General position, representing seven countries.
- The selection process includes public hearings and negotiations among WHO member states.
- The new Director-General will face significant challenges in addressing global health issues.
