WHO announced seven nominees for its next director-general on Thursday, with the selection process to involve public forums and a World Health Assembly vote in May, according to Anadolu Agency.
The nominees are Qatar’s Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari, former health minister and adviser to the prime minister; Saudi Arabia’s Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean; Belgium’s Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe; Spain’s Maria P. Neira, former director of WHO’s environment and health department; Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin; China’s Li Song, secretary of the All-China Women’s Federation; and Armenian pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan, nominated by Botswana.
The candidates will meet at WHO headquarters in Geneva for a public forum on Nov. 18-19, allowing member states to engage directly with them.
WHO’s Executive Board will narrow the field to five candidates in early 2027, following interviews and interviews of shortlisted candidates at a second public forum on Mar. 15, 2027.
The World Health Assembly is scheduled to appoint the next director-general in May, with the successful candidate taking office on Aug. 16, 2027.
Which of the seven nominees will ultimately be chosen remains to be confirmed by the Assembly vote.
