The LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) officially received the baton to host the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2027, Hong Kong, China, at the WHS Opening Night in Berlin, Germany, on 11 October 2026. The handover from Nairobi, the 2026 Regional Meeting host, set the stage for Hong Kong, China, to host this leading international platform for global health dialogue for the first time.
The Meeting will take place from 7 to 9 May 2027 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Themed 'Health Across Borders', the Meeting is expected to welcome some 2,000 participants, bringing together leaders and changemakers from governments, multilateral agencies, philanthropic organisations, academia, civil organisations and the private sector to advance collaboration across geographies, sectors and disciplines.
Incoming International President of the World Health Summit 2027, Professor Chak-sing Lau, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health) and Dean of Medicine, HKU, said, 'Receiving the baton from Nairobi is such a privilege, and HKUMed is ready to help shape the next chapter of global health collaboration. We will harness our city's role as a super connector to bring together leaders and changemakers. "Health Across Borders" is our ambition to turn connections into actions, and scientific advances into better health for everyone.'
HKUMed was invited to join the WHS Academic Alliance in 2024, becoming the first institution from Hong Kong, China, to join the international academic network. Its selection the following year to host the 2027 Regional Meeting underscored the Faculty's growing engagement with the global health community and its commitment to shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
Professor Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, said, 'The World Health Summit Regional Meetings play an important role in elevating regional priorities and expertise to the global health dialogue. We are delighted to pass the baton from the successful 2026 Regional Meeting in Nairobi, hosted by Aga Khan University to the University of Hong Kong. HKUMed in Hong Kong, China will host the Regional Meeting in Spring 2027 bringing together perspectives from across Asia and beyond under the theme "Health Across Borders". The 2027 WHS Regional Meeting will provide a central platform for collaboration on imminent and future health challenges.'
As the leading platform for global health, the World Health Summit convenes an annual summit in Berlin and a regional meeting at a rotating location. The regional meetings highlight local and regional leadership and priorities, bringing these perspectives into discussions that advance the global health agenda.
The 2027 Regional Meeting will feature more than 40 sessions across five critical thematic tracks: Equity in Health; Health in the Digital Era; Partnerships as Pathways in Health; Science and Innovation; and the Multi-sectorality of Health Policy.
HKUMed is working closely with partners locally, regionally and globally to develop a programme that fosters meaningful exchange and cross-border collaboration. By highlighting regional leadership, experience and priorities, the Meeting will strengthen Asia's voice in global health discussions and explore shared responses to pressing health challenges.
The Meeting will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and HKUMed's 140th anniversary. It will embody the Faculty's vision to innovate health and inspire humanity, while aligning with Hong Kong's newly released first five-year plan, particularly its ambition to develop the city into a health and medical innovation hub with global influence.
