As global health challenges increasingly transcend national borders, effective diplomacy has never been more critical. The Ministry of Health, Bhutan, and WHO Bhutan jointly convened a four-day Global Health Diplomacy Workshop, facilitated by the International Health Policy Program (IHPP), Thailand, to strengthen Bhutan’s institutional readiness for effective engagement in global health governance, from 14-17 April 2026.
At the opening of the workshop, Health Secretary Dasho Pemba Wangchuk underscored the strategic importance and growing urgency of global health diplomacy for Bhutan, particularly in navigating complex international health negotiations and governance processes.
The workshop is attended by around 60 officials from the Ministry of Health, National Medical Services, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, reflecting a strong whole-of-government approach to advancing Bhutan’s role in global health.
This workshop has been designed as a strategic investment in Bhutan’s institutional capacity, particularly at a time when the country is preparing for a historic responsibility, the Chairmanship of the WHO Executive Board in 2026, coinciding with the election of the next WHO Director‑General.
The workshop focuses on:
- WHO governance and decision-making
- Forming and advancing national & regional positions
- Negotiation and diplomatic practice
- Strategic communication