The Ministry of Ayush has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to co-host the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which will take place in New Delhi from 17–19 December 2025. The summit, themed “Restoring balance for people and planet: The science and practice of well-being”, will provide a global platform to advance the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare and sustainable development. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge), Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, during the 2nd Summit Planning Group Meeting, which reviewed preparations and progress for the event.
The summit is expected to bring together international experts, researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the role of traditional medicine in addressing current health challenges. Traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy are being increasingly recognized worldwide for their holistic approach to health and wellness. By integrating these practices with modern medicine, the summit aims to explore solutions for preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health, while also highlighting traditional knowledge as a valuable resource for climate resilience and ecological sustainability.
India has been at the forefront of promoting evidence-based traditional practices globally, being the birthplace of Ayurveda and Yoga. A significant milestone in this journey was the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, inaugurated in April 2022, which now serves as an international hub for research, innovation, and policy dialogue. The 2nd Global Summit will build on the success of the first edition, held in Gandhinagar in August 2023, where ministers, health experts, and delegates from over 90 countries laid the foundation for greater international cooperation, stronger regulatory frameworks, and strategies for integrating traditional medicine into universal health coverage.
The upcoming summit will underline the connection between human health and planetary well-being, focusing on sustainability and climate-friendly healthcare models. Key discussions are expected on expanding scientific evidence of traditional remedies, leveraging digital health and AI for documentation of indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants, advancing global education and training, and developing quality standards and trade frameworks for herbal and traditional products.
The Ministry of Ayush and WHO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting evidence-based research and strengthening international collaborations so that traditional practices can contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By co-hosting the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, India is once again asserting its role as a global leader in integrative health and wellness, while creating a platform for knowledge exchange that promotes sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted health solutions.