Global Leaders Unite for Traditional Medicine Summit in New Delhi
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, along with Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav, inaugurated the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today. This significant event marks the start of a three-day global scientific gathering, running from December 17 to 19, 2025. The summit is centered around the theme “Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-Being,” aiming to bring together a diverse group of policymakers, scientists, practitioners, Indigenous knowledge holders, and civil society leaders to promote inclusive and sustainable health systems.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, delivered a special video message, highlighting India’s influential role in the field of traditional medicine. He emphasized that health encompasses not only technology but also balance, dignity, and shared human wisdom. This year, the World Health Assembly adopted the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, which aims to enhance the evidence base for decision-making, ensure safety and quality through regulation, and integrate traditional medicine into national health systems. Dr. Ghebreyesus noted the establishment of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India as a vital step in translating this strategy into action.
Milestones in Global Traditional Medicine
In his inaugural address, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav discussed India’s collaboration with the WHO, emphasizing the commitment to integrate traditional medicine into global healthcare through scientific standards and evidence. Since the partnership began in 2016, notable achievements include the launch of the ICD-11 Module 2 in 2024, which incorporates Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani morbidity codes into international health classifications. Furthermore, the upcoming WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is set to open by October 2025, marking a pivotal move towards the worldwide acceptance of traditional medicine.
International Cooperation and Research Initiatives
Shri Jadhav mentioned that India is expanding international cooperation in traditional medicine education and research. The country offers 104 scholarships annually to foreign nationals and has signed 26 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across the globe. Collaborative research initiatives are underway in various countries, including studies on Ashwagandha in the UK and Ayurveda-based diabetes research in Latvia. India is also using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to document and validate traditional knowledge.
Focus on Ashwagandha’s Global Impact
A key highlight of the summit was the parallel session titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts.” This session discussed the clinical evidence regarding Ashwagandha’s therapeutic benefits. Experts provided insights into its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties while stressing the importance of rigorous research and safety assessments. The discussion aimed to harmonize global standards and promote responsible integration of Ashwagandha into modern healthcare.
Plenary Discussions on Health and Sustainability
Following the inaugural ceremony, the summit progressed into a series of plenary discussions addressing various aspects of restoring balance in global health systems, biodiversity, and equity. The first session, Plenary 1, included experts from WHO, the Ministry of Ayush, and international representatives examining the intersection of traditional medicine and global health equity. Discussions also addressed knowledge governance and ecological balance, emphasizing the role of traditional medicine in biodiversity conservation.
The summit concluded by underlining the fundamental principle that health is rooted in balance—not just within individuals, but also among communities and the environment. As global challenges intensify, the dialogue reinforced the necessity for holistic approaches to healthcare, aligning Indigenous rights with sustainable ecosystems and health practices.
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