Seven candidates have been proposed by Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the position of WHO Director-General:
- Dr Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari
- Dr Hanan Balkhy
- Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge
- Dr María P. Neira
- Mr Budi Gunadi Sadikin
- Dr Li Song
- Dr Gevorg Tamamyan.
The candidates' curricula vitae are available in all official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
The candidates will engage with Member States and Associate Members on 18–19 November 2026 at the first candidates' forum at WHO Headquarters in Geneva. The forum will be publicly webcast on the WHO website in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
At its 160th session in early 2027, the WHO's Executive Board will decide on a shortlist of five candidates. Executive Board members will then interview these candidates and nominate up to three to go forward for consideration by the World Health Assembly.
A second candidates' forum with candidates nominated by the Executive Board will take place on 15 March 2027 and will also be publicly available on the WHO website in all official languages.
At its 80th session in May 2027, the World Health Assembly will appoint the new Director-General. The new Director-General will take office on 16 August 2027.
