New Delhi | April 28, 2025 — The World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 concluded on a historic note at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking India’s first time as host of this prestigious global platform. Over the course of three transformative days, the summit convened over 5,000 delegates from 54 countries, held 160+ sessions, welcomed 950+ speakers, and partnered with 90+ global institutions including WHO SEARO, UNICEF, Asian Development Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Siemens Healthineers.

India’s Leadership in Global Health: Inaugural Address

In his inaugural address, Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar, International President of the World Health Summit and Founder & Chairperson of NIMS University, saluted the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for transforming India’s healthcare landscape through flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

“Ayushman Bharat is not just a scheme—it is a movement for health dignity and protection, touching millions of Indian families with ₹5 lakh annual health coverage. It reflects the strength of inclusive and compassionate governance,” said Prof. Tomar.

He also acknowledged the strong support of Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and Health Minister Shri JP Nadda, whose leadership has driven transformative reforms in health access, affordability, and infrastructure.

Inaugural Day: Distinguished Participation from Global and National Leaders

The inaugural ceremony featured participation from a distinguished set of health leaders and policymakers:

• Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports
• Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Law and Justice
• Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Former Union Minister of I&B, Youth Affairs and Sports
• Axel R. Pries, President, WHS, Germany
• Ilona Kickbusch, Patron, WHS Regional Meeting
• Mio Oka, Country Director, Asian Development Bank
• Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia
• Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
• Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director, UNICEF South Asia
• Ayako Inagaki, Senior Director, HSD, Asian Development Bank
• Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and Former CEO, NITI Aayog
• Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist, WHO
• Rizwan Koita, Chairperson, National Accredation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers
• Priya Basu, Executive Head, Panedemic Fund, World Bank
• Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Edurado Banzon, Director Health, Asian Development Bank

A Platform for Equity, Innovation, and Youth Leadership

The summit was built around the powerful theme: “Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity”, addressing urgent and diverse global health priorities such as:

• Climate and Planetary Health
• Universal Health Coverage
• Digital Health and Transformation
• Maternal and Child Health
• Mental Well-being
• Emergency Preparedness
• One Health and Pandemic Readiness

With 49.65% women participation and 35% youth delegates, the event truly embodied the spirit of inclusive leadership and cross-generational dialogue.

“This is not merely a summit—it is a global health movement,” noted Prof. Tomar.
“Our mission is to translate commitment into action, and knowledge into real-world impact.”

Valedictory Ceremony: Reflections on Legacy and Future

The closing ceremony was marked by visionary reflections from high-level leaders, reinforcing India’s pivotal role in global health transformation.

• Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industry:

“India has made great strides—building toilets in every village, delivering tap water, and scaling healthcare access. We are reimagining wellness from the ground up.”

• (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar, International President, World Health Summit:

“Together, we will craft a future where health is powered by science and guided by equity. We have set a new benchmark for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and tangible impact.
The take-home message is clear: Health is a right. Health is the foundation of peace, prosperity, and progress.”

• Axel R. Pries, President, World Health Summit:

“This summit is about making health more equitable. It’s a platform to share innovations and scale solutions globally.”

• Anurag Agrawal, Chair, Scientific Committee:

“India has shown what digital transformation at a billion-plus scale looks like. But the real legacy of this conference lies in the depth of ideas, learning, and exchange it facilitated.”

• Sanjay Pattan Shetty, Organizing Secretary:

“We’ve set a benchmark with this mega event. It wasn’t just about numbers—it was curated for impact, insight, and collaboration. Deep thanks to all our partners.”

• Deepak Nathiya, Organizing Secretary:
  Delivered the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the delegates, speakers, volunteers, and all organizing teams for their contribution to a seamless and impactful event.

A Summit of Global Importance

As a platform for dialogue and transformation, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 successfully established new global standards for inclusion, evidence-based policy, and international health cooperation.

Hosted by NIMS University, the summit has become a shining example of India’s readiness to lead the global health narrative.

“This is only the beginning,” said Prof. Balvir S. Tomar.
“Let our ideas cross borders. Let our commitments translate into measurable change. Let us move from conversation to implementation—for a healthier, more equitable world.”