As the World Health Summit 2024 unfolds in Berlin on October 13th, with the theme “Building Trust for a Healthier World,” the global health community is already turning its gaze toward another monumental event on the horizon. From April 25-27, 2025, New Delhi, India will host the World Health Summit Regional Meeting, a significant occasion that will not only showcase India’s leadership in global health but also see the esteemed Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar assume the prestigious role of International President of the World Health Summit (WHS). This historic gathering is expected to catalyze new developments and conversations in global healthcare, shaping the future of health and well-being across the world.
Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar, a globally renowned Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Chancellor of NIMS University, has long been a dedicated advocate for healthcare innovation and equitable access to quality medical services. His pioneering work in pediatric liver disease, particularly the treatment of Indian childhood cirrhosis, and his visionary leadership across educational and healthcare institutions make him an ideal leader to guide the global health community in tackling the most urgent health challenges of our time.
The 2025 Regional Meeting in New Delhi will continue the momentum built during the 2024 Summit in Berlin, where over 10,000 participants from around the world, both online and in person, gathered to discuss and collaborate on innovative solutions to global health issues. Under the patronage of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Summit reaffirmed its critical role as a strategic international forum. The diverse array of participants, including policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society representatives, joined forces to address issues ranging from pandemics to health equity, climate change, and scientific innovation.
The leadership panel of WHS 2024, featuring esteemed figures like Christina Mitchell, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Monash University, and Sophia Zoungas, Head of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, along with German leaders Axel R. Pries, President of WHS, and Carsten Schicker, CEO of the World Health Summit, set the stage for a future of collaborative global health efforts. As the baton is passed to Dr. Tomar, the world anticipates his leadership to steer the health summit towards even greater heights in 2025.
Reflecting on the theme of trust, which was central to WHS 2024, Axel R. Pries emphasized its pivotal role in global health: “Trust is the cornerstone of societies and global health, serving as the vital bond that connects individuals, communities, and nations.” He further stressed that trust must be continuously built and nurtured, especially in the complex and often fragmented realm of global health. It is this trust that enables cooperation across different sectors—academia, politics, the private sector, and civil society. The World Health Summit aims to act as a platform to cultivate this trust, empowering stakeholders to work together effectively to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Dr. Balvir S. Tomar, a long-standing member of the WHS Academic Alliance (formerly M8), echoed these sentiments. He emphasized that trust is integral to the effectiveness of health systems, policies, and interventions. In a world marked by mounting global crises—ranging from health inequities to misinformation and geopolitical tensions—trust is more vital than ever for governance and international cooperation. With WHS 2024 focusing on “Building Trust for a Healthier World,” the Summit aims to renew confidence in health institutions, uphold scientific integrity, and promote equitable access to healthcare. Dr. Tomar believes that this approach will inspire solidarity and resilience among the global health community, essential for overcoming today’s multifaceted challenges.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Tomar’s presidency of the WHS signals a new era of leadership rooted in his deep commitment to healthcare access, innovation, and education. His extensive experience in pediatric medicine and his visionary leadership at NIMS University and NIMS Hospital have transformed healthcare in India, and his role at the helm of the World Health Summit will provide a global platform to advocate for transformative health solutions. His leadership in organizing the New Delhi Regional Meeting in 2025 comes at a pivotal time when the global community is seeking innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Summit Regional Meeting in New Delhi is expected to attract an extraordinary gathering of global health experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives. Together, they will focus on driving forward key health initiatives, with an emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect—principles that lie at the heart of building trust. India’s hosting of this event further solidifies its role as a key player in global health diplomacy, showcasing the country’s capabilities in addressing complex health challenges through innovation and partnerships.
The 2025 Summit represents not only a conference but also a crucible where visionary ideas and practical solutions converge. Under Dr. Tomar’s guidance, the Summit will provide a platform to highlight India’s contributions to global health while advancing international collaboration on pressing issues such as healthcare access, climate change, and emerging infectious diseases. The Summit’s mission remains clear: to foster trust, empower stakeholders, and ensure that global health efforts are inclusive, equitable, and impactful.
As Dr. Tomar steps into the role of International President of the World Health Summit, he brings with him a legacy of excellence, innovation, and service. His leadership in 2025 will build upon the momentum of the Berlin Summit, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare innovation and ensuring that strategies for improving global health are not only forward-thinking but also inclusive and sustainable. His presidency will be a pivotal moment in the history of the World Health Summit, marking the continued evolution of the event as a key driver of global health progress.
As we look forward to the World Health Summit Regional Meeting in New Delhi, the global health community stands united in its commitment to fostering trust, driving innovation, and ensuring that health and well-being are universally accessible. The world will be watching as India and Dr. Tomar lead the charge in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all. Together, we will rise to the challenges of our time and inspire the next generation of global health leaders to continue the vital work of creating a better world for everyone.
The path to 2025 is filled with excitement and anticipation as we collectively work toward achieving the goals set out at the Summit. Gratitude is extended to all participants, speakers, and organizers who continue to make the World Health Summit a transformative experience, year after year. As this journey begins, the global health community embraces this moment as a call to action, reaffirming its commitment to building a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.
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