The Group of Friends for Traditional Medicine convened in Geneva on September 25, 2026, to discuss priorities for enhancing global cooperation and advancing the implementation of traditional medicine practices.
The Group of Friends for Traditional Medicine assembled at the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva on September 25, 2026, coinciding with the observance of Ayurveda Day. This meeting provided a pivotal platform for representatives from various nations, the traditional medicine community, and international partners to discuss the future of global cooperation in traditional medicine and its contributions to health and well-being.
Chaired by Indian Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, the meeting welcomed new members Egypt, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Suriname, expanding the group to 36 member states. The agenda prominently featured discussions surrounding the Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine 2025–2034, a framework adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2025 aimed at reinforcing the role of traditional medicine in health systems worldwide.
Advancing the Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine
During the discussions, representatives shared insights into their national frameworks and experiences as they strive to implement the Global Strategy. Key issues raised included the need for strengthening legal frameworks to facilitate the export of traditional medicine products, safeguarding the intellectual property rights of indigenous and local communities, and addressing barriers to accessing traditional medicine. These discussions highlighted the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration, especially in relation to medical tourism and the establishment of national centers of excellence that focus on traditional medicine.
Participants expressed strong support for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ongoing commitment to traditional medicine, particularly in the context of the recent election of a new WHO Director-General in 2027. This continuity signals an enduring focus on integrating traditional practices within broader health strategies, which can enhance both public health outcomes and cultural heritage.
Thailand’s Vision for Future Summits
Thai Ambassador Usana Berananda articulated her country’s vision for hosting the upcoming 3rd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled for November 2027. She emphasized the importance of continuity in leadership by stating, “Traditional Medicine carries the wisdom of the past, and the promise of the future.” The summit aims to build on the momentum generated by India’s hosting of the 2nd Summit in 2025, transitioning from recognition of traditional practices to actionable implementation strategies.
Ambassador Berananda’s remarks underline the growing recognition of traditional medicine as a vital contributor to global health and wellness. She further underscored that for Thailand, the integration of traditional medicine is not just theoretical but rooted in lived experience, encapsulated in her vision of “wisdom, well-being, and wealth.” This approach seeks to leverage traditional medicine for broader economic and health benefits.
Innovative Initiatives for Health and Well-Being
Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, acting Director of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, introduced an innovative initiative named Living Well. This initiative aims to establish a multisectoral action framework that promotes health and well-being through collaboration across various sectors, including health, environmental sustainability, agriculture, education, science, technology, trade, finance, tourism, and Indigenous affairs. The proposed framework includes the creation of a multistakeholder cooperation platform to facilitate action on shared priorities.
One of the notable aspects of the Living Well initiative is the potential development of a global trust mark. This trust mark would focus on promoting responsible sourcing, safety, and sustainability in well-being products and services, providing an independent verification system to support consumer confidence. Such a framework could significantly enhance the market for traditional medicine products while ensuring quality and ethical standards.
Panel Discussion on Ayurveda’s Global Contribution
The program culminated in a panel discussion titled “Ayurveda and its contribution to the global traditional medicine agenda,” moderated by Dr. Pradeep Dua of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. Senior officials from India, Mauritius, Nepal, and Suriname participated, sharing their countries’ experiences in advancing Ayurveda through research, innovation, and integration into health systems.
Panelists emphasized the importance of generating evidence and integrating traditional medicine practices into national health systems. They noted that such integration not only supports public health goals but also promotes cultural heritage and local practices. By showcasing successful models of Ayurveda implementation, the Group of Friends aims to inspire other nations to adopt similar strategies, enhancing the global health landscape and potentially improving health outcomes worldwide.
The discussions during the meeting reflected a growing international consensus on the value of traditional medicine as an integral component of global health strategies. As nations work to strengthen their health systems, the insights shared at this gathering may play a crucial role in shaping future policies and practices surrounding traditional medicine, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative action and shared learning.
