In a development making headlines across Bhutan news platforms and every major Bhutan news website, the country is preparing to assume the chairmanship of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board this May, marking a significant step in its growing global presence.
To prepare for this responsibility, Bhutan has launched a four-day workshop on global health diplomacy in the capital. Organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the WHO country office, the programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity of officials who will represent the nation on the international stage.
Around 60 participants from key agencies—including the Ministry of Health, National Medical Services, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade—are taking part. The sessions cover WHO governance, negotiation strategies, strategic communication, and the development of national and regional policy positions.
Officials say the initiative is crucial for enabling Bhutan to engage more effectively in global health discussions. Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk noted that institutional knowledge in this area has declined due to staff turnover. To address this, international experts have been brought in, including Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert from Thailand, a respected voice in global health policy.
“Bhutan has a strong primary healthcare system, which forms the foundation of its ability to contribute globally,” Dr. Suwit said. “This is an opportunity for the country to demonstrate leadership at the highest level.”
Bhutan will serve as Chair of the WHO Executive Board for one year and remain a board member for three years. The Executive Board plays a pivotal role in global health governance, including setting the agenda for the World Health Assembly and reviewing resolutions before they are adopted by member states.
As chair, Bhutan will lead the Bureau of the Executive Board, which determines key discussion priorities. This agenda-setting authority is particularly significant as the world continues to address challenges such as universal health coverage, disease response, and strengthening health systems.
The timing is also notable, as the upcoming term coincides with the election of the WHO Director-General—an event in which the Executive Board plays a central role. “We need to ensure Bhutan is fully prepared to guide these global processes effectively,” Wangchuk said.
This will be Bhutan’s second time in the role, having previously chaired the Executive Board in 1996–1997 under then Health Minister Sangay Ngedup.
Despite its small size, Bhutan’s leadership at the WHO underscores its increasing influence in global health affairs—an achievement widely highlighted across Bhutan news coverage and seen as a proud moment for the nation on every leading Bhutan news website.
