WHO announces seven candidates for Director-General and November public forum
WHO has named seven proposed candidates for its next Director-General, with a publicly webcast forum scheduled for November 18–19.
What the record says
The World Health Organization announced October 29 that member states have proposed seven candidates for its next Director-General.
The first candidates’ forum is scheduled for November 18–19 at WHO headquarters in Geneva and will be publicly webcast in the organization’s six official languages.
WHO’s Executive Board is due to shortlist five candidates in early 2027, interview them and nominate up to three for consideration by the World Health Assembly. A second public candidates’ forum is scheduled for March 15, 2027.
The World Health Assembly is due to appoint the next Director-General in May 2027, with the new officeholder taking office on August 16.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Readers can consult WHO’s official candidate biographies and public forum information.
Limits and what is not established
The announcement identifies candidates and a future selection timetable. It does not name a winner or establish that any candidate has been appointed.
Sources checked October 31, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
World Health Organization: original information