WHO Director-General's Speech at the Fifth Regional Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific – 4 November 2025
One of WHO’s core functions, stated in its Constitution, is “to promote and conduct research in the field of health.” Over time, the number of collaborating centres has expanded significantly, along with their commitment to WHO’s programmes.
Dr Saia Piukala, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues and friends, good morning from Geneva, and thank you for including me in your programme today. Rather than sending a recorded message, I wanted to join you live because Collaborating Centres are more vital to WHO now than ever before.
In 1949, the Second World Health Assembly set the policy that WHO should not establish its own research institutions, but instead rely on the expertise and resources of institutions worldwide. Currently, there are nearly 800 collaborating centres across more than 80 Member States, with 190 in the Western Pacific Region alone.
Thanks to your efforts, WHO gains access to leading universities, hospitals, and research institutes within your region and globally. Your valuable work strengthens WHO’s capacity to promote health, deliver care, and protect communities.
- You generate critical evidence.
- You build health capacity.
- You support Member States in tackling urgent health challenges.
“WHO should not set up its own research institutions, but leverage the expertise and capacity of institutions all over the world.”
Author's summary: The speech highlights the essential role of WHO Collaborating Centres globally, emphasizing their contribution to evidence generation, capacity building, and supporting urgent health priorities.