Call for Proposals for hosting the 20th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA)

1. Background and purpose

The International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) is a flagship global regulatory forum co-convened by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its inception in 1980, ICDRA has provided a unique platform for heads of national regulatory authorities for medical products (NRAs), senior regulators, policymakers, international organizations, and key stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experiences, strengthen international regulatory cooperation, and advance regulatory convergence and reliance.

ICDRA plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing emerging regulatory challenges, facilitating dialogue on regulatory priorities, and informing the development of WHO norms, standards, and guidance to strengthen regulatory systems worldwide.

The 20th ICDRA will mark a major milestone in global regulatory collaboration, offering an opportunity to reflect on more than four decades of international cooperation, take stock of achievements and remaining challenges, and help shape the future of medical products regulation. Discussions are expected to address key priorities, including regulatory systems strengthening, convergence and reliance, digital transformation, innovation, and preparedness for public health emergencies.

WHO hereby invites Member States interested in hosting the 20th ICDRA to express their interest and submit formal proposals in accordance with the requirements outlined in Annex I of this Call for Proposals.

The 20th ICDRA is expected to be held towards the end of 2027 and will be jointly organized by WHO and the selected host country. The conference will primarily be an in-person event.

2. Objectives of the 20th ICDRA

The 20th ICDRA aims to:

• Strengthen global regulatory cooperation and convergence;
• Advance regulatory systems strengthening, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs);
• Promote reliance and work-sharing mechanisms;
• Address emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities, including digital transformation (e.g., artificial intelligence), innovative health technologies, and preparedness for public health emergencies;
• Foster collaboration among NRAs, regional networks, international organizations, and partners;
• Identify strategic priorities and opportunities for collective action to strengthen regulatory systems and cooperation worldwide.

3. Roles and responsibilities

The selected host country will be expected to provide the necessary organizational, logistical, technical, and financial support to ensure the successful delivery of the conference, in accordance with the requirements outlined in Annex I. This should also include support for communications, media relations and conference visibility, in close coordination with WHO.

As co-organizer, WHO will be responsible for:

• Proposing and agreeing with the host country on the overall theme of the Conference;
• Developing the detailed technical and scientific programme, including the identification of speakers and session formats;
• Overseeing participant registration and approving registration of all participants;
• Providing technical guidance and strategic coordination throughout the organizational process;
• Coordinating the overall communications approach, including key messages, branding and visibility, in collaboration with the host country.

4. Expression of interest and submission of proposals

Member States considering hosting the 20th ICDRA are strongly encouraged to communicate their interest to WHO at the earliest opportunity, by 20 November 2026 from the publication of this Call for Proposals.

An initial Expression of Interest (EOI) should briefly indicate the intention to host ICDRA, identify the proposed lead institution, preferably the national regulatory authority, and provide preliminary information on the proposed location and organizational arrangements, where available.

This initial step will enable WHO to engage with interested Member States, clarify expectations and provide additional guidance on the requirements for preparing a formal proposal, if needed. Submission of an EOI will not constitute a formal commitment to host the conference or guarantee selection.

Formal proposals should be submitted in accordance with the requirements outlined in Annex I.

Expressions of interest, formal proposals and requests for clarification should be sent to: