The theme of this year’s Health Assembly is: Health for peace, peace for health.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies with international reach have highlighted the leadership and coordinating role of WHO in responding to such events. Strengthening preparedness for and response to health emergencies are a key theme of the Health Assembly.

Events began with a high-level segment on 22 May with speeches from the elected Health Assembly President, Heads of State, special guests, an address by the WHO Director-General and the presentation of the Director-General’s Health Awards. 

During the Seventy-fifth World Health Assembly, a series of strategic roundtables are being held. During these sessions, WHA delegates, partner agencies, representatives of civil society and WHO experts will discuss current and future priorities for public health issues of global importance.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the World Health Assembly are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

Due to the ongoing renovation of the Palais des Nations, the number of rooms available and their capacity is limited. Access to meeting rooms is restricted. Additionally, there will be no side events held at the Palais des Nations. The venues at the Palais des Nations are: Plenary -- room XIX; Committee A -- room XX; and Committee B -- room XVII.

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in-person participants are requested to wear face masks and perform a daily rapid antigen self-test.