Thailand has been selected to host the Third WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2027, marking a major international recognition of the country’s leadership in traditional and complementary medicine.
Thailand’s Minister of Public Health, Pattana Promphat, described the selection as a testament to Thailand’s readiness to convene a global dialogue on traditional medicine and to the growing international recognition of Thailand’s traditional medicine system.
“Being selected as host will not only elevate Thai traditional medical knowledge on the global stage but will also provide an important opportunity to drive the health economy and promote sustainable growth,” Pattana said.
Traditional Medicine Perspective from Thailand
The WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is a biennial platform that brings together ministers of health, policymakers, researchers, practitioners and public health leaders to advance discussion on the role of traditional medicine in strengthening health systems. The forum focuses on evidence-based approaches, regulation, innovation, international cooperation and the integration of traditional medicine into national health-care services.
The first WHO Global Summit in 2023 set an agenda that guided the development of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 . The second Summit turned that strategy into action by launching the Traditional Medicine Global Library, which contains more than 1.6 million scientific records and continues to grow, and by securing time-bound commitments from 26 Member States and around 60 partner organizations.
At the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in 2025 , held in New Delhi, India, participants from more than 107 countries attended, including 25 health ministers. The strong participation underscored growing interest among WHO Member States in traditional medicine and increasing demand for technical guidance and research support in the field.
The third Summit will review progress on the commitments, while highlighting the rollout of a global traditional medicine data network in 12 pathfinder countries and showcasing new initiatives demonstrating how traditional medicine can contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
“Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine serves as a vital source of health care for billions of people worldwide,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The third Summit presents a unique opportunity to translate our collective commitments from the previous summits into transformative action by strengthening the evidence base, advancing supportive policies and fostering strategic partnerships. Together, we can ensure that traditional medicine is safe, equitable and sustainable, accelerating progress towards Health for All.”
The 2027 Summit will serve as both a high-level policy forum and an evidence-informed conference with the latest scientific advances and country implementation experiences, enabling participants to exchange experiences on how traditional, complementary and integrative medicine can contribute to more people-centred and accessible health-care systems.
Thailand sees the 2027 summit as an opportunity to showcase practical approaches to integrating traditional medicine into mainstream health care while strengthening international cooperation. Officials say the event could help advance discussions on international standards, support greater acceptance of herbal products, and foster partnerships between governments, researchers and industry stakeholders.
The 2027 Summit will provide an important milestone in advancing the implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 and strengthening global cooperation on the safe, effective and evidence-based use of traditional medicine.
