The 12th Global Management Meeting of World Health Organization concludes in Lyon, France.

As we ended the 3.5 day Global Management Meeting, which convened in Lyon, France, with the participation of senior leaders of WHO, the closing session in which the six Regional Directors and Director General, Dr. Tedros, spoke really hit the nail on the head in showing us the direction. Here is a summary of the session.

Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , urged swift action on global health challenges, emphasizing mental health, accountability, and workplace well-being. “Our work is about people, families, and communities,” he said, stressing the importance of compassion and action, referring to the session where there was sharing of powerful personal stories about mental health, breaking stigma, and encouraging open dialogue. He underlined the key priorities as improving resource mobilization, fostering positive workplace environments, and implementing a talent pipeline. "Hard work isn’t the problem; toxic environments are," he noted, calling for work-life balance and support. Emphasizing that he had 955 days until the end of his assignment, DG pledged action. "Together, we will implement and deliver on our commitments for a healthier, more equitable world," he concluded.

Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director of WHO Western Pacific Region, reflected on his journey from surgeon to WHO leader, emphasizing listening, connection, and resilience. "Communication is the cornerstone of our harmonious organization," he noted, celebrating the stories of courage and strength shared during the event. He urged the participants to prioritize solutions and action, leaving diagnosis behind. "We must make impactful decisions now," he said, adding that each individual's work shapes WHO’s legacy. Acknowledging the challenges of global health work, Dr. Saia emphasized kindness, workplace well-being, and the privilege of serving humanity. "The hands that save are holier than the lips that pray," he remarked, underscoring WHO’s responsibility to the world. He encouraged the attendees to treasure connections formed during the meeting, balance professional and personal lives, and continue serving with urgency and care. "When we retire, let us do so knowing we made a difference in countless lives," he concluded.

Dr. Saima Wazed Putul , Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Region, highlighted the privilege and responsibility of serving the world’s most vulnerable communities through the organization’s work. “This has been a tremendous few days,” she said, praising the event for fostering collaboration and learning among global health leaders. She commended the organizers for creating a space that allowed participants to share experiences, address challenges, and strengthen WHO’s effectiveness and cohesion. Dr. Saima reflected on the honor of being part of WHO, emphasizing the weight of its global mission. “This name carries immense privilege and responsibility,” she said. Encouraging colleagues to embrace their roles as leaders, she urged them to remember the importance of their work. “Together, we have the opportunity to make a real difference in this world,” sheconcluded, leaving a message of unity and optimism.

Dr. Hans Kluge, Regional Director of WHO European Region, commended the maturity of discussions and progress made since the last meeting. "Uniting a world that appears to be falling apart must be the order of the day," he said, emphasizing WHO's role in fostering collaboration across countries and sectors to advance health as a unifying force. The call for a united strategic vision resonated throughout the meeting. "Unity does not mean conformity—it means leveraging diversity to tailor impactful solutions," Hans said, highlighting the need for interregional collaboration and a shared commitment to action under the banner of "United Action for Better Health." Dr. Kluge also stressed the importance of courage: to address inefficiencies, uphold high standards, and support WHO staff working in challenging environments. He praised colleagues who shared personal struggles with mental health, reinforcing its priority in future WHO strategies. Acknowledging the personal sacrifices of those in global health, Hans urged attendees to balance their work with self-care. "WHO needs you," he reminded, closing with an inspiring quote from Dr. Rayana Ahmed Bou Haka, WR Qatar: "The world may be in gloom and doom; many risks may loom; but if on countries we zoom; together we will reach the moon.”

Dr. Hanan Balkhy , Regional Director of WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region said "This has been a phenomenal GMM" promising to take all recommendations seriously and act on them without delay. She underscored the unique role of regional offices as critical links between country offices and headquarters, emphasizing their specific mandate to unify efforts. "I don't want us to become another HQ or a country office," she stated. Staff mental health, particularly in conflict-affected regions, was a major focus. "Every day feels like checking on my children across the region," she said, acknowledging the immense stress on national staff. She called for a three-level support system across regions and HQ to address the mental health crisis, highlighting the scarcity of expertise in this area. Career development and mentorship were also spotlighted as areas for improvement. "Our staff need clear guidance and preparation for competitive processes," she said. Dr. Hanan closed with a message of unity and accessibility, urging staff to reach out directly with concerns or ideas. "The solutions will come from the middle and bottom, not just the top," she concluded, reaffirming their commitment to fostering a supportive and effective WHO. "Happy New Year and happy holidays," she added, leaving a strong message of optimism and collaboration.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa da Silva Jr , Regional Director of WHO Americas Region and PAHO, highlighted the progress and called for commitment to implementing transformative recommendations to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Reflecting on organizational reforms, he praised the ongoing "Power Forward" initiative, which has already achieved significant milestones in reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency. "We’ve come far, but we still have much to do," he said, emphasizing the importance of aligning internal efforts with the expectations of Member States for a more transparent and accountable WHO. The recommendations discussed during the meeting, developed by WHO staff based on real-world challenges, were lauded for their practicality and alignment with the needs of member states. "These are not suggestions from external consultants but insights from those on the frontlines," he remarked, urging swift implementation. Mental health and workplace culture also featured prominently, with calls for WHO to be a supportive environment where staff can seek help and share concerns openly. "We are proud to be WHO, and we also want it to be a place where we find happiness, support, and friendship," he said. Ending on a hopeful note, "Be hopeful realists," he urged, adding, "Hope comes from our shared commitment and the work we build together."

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti , Regional Director of WHO African Region, celebrated the transformative progress made during her tenure and called for continued focus on decentralization and empowerment of country-level leaders to drive global health impact. Expressing gratitude to colleagues and organizers, she highlighted the courage and determination demonstrated throughout the Global Management Meeting. "This has been one of the most inspiring gatherings in my career," she said, commending colleagues who shared personal stories of mental health struggles and reinforcing WHO’s commitment to support its workforce. Dr. Moeti emphasized the importance of shifting decision-making power and resources to the field, where action is most needed. "The ideas and determination expressed by country leaders show a clear path forward," she noted, reflecting on her own experiences of feeling isolated and underresourced as a country representative. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the Regional Director expressed confidence in WHO's ability to adapt and succeed. "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up," she said, quoting Nelson Mandela. She lauded the progress made under WHO’s transformation agenda and urged colleagues to continue building a results-focused organization driven by innovation and collaboration. As she transitions into retirement, Dr. Moeti pledged ongoing support for WHO’s mission. "I’ll be watching, encouraging, and contributing from the outside," she said, leaving with a message of hope and confidence in the organization’s future. "We are a winner as WHO," she concluded, inspiring colleagues to carry forward the momentum of the meeting to deliver transformative change and improve global health outcomes.

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