Frequently asked questions

Who elects the Director-General of the World Health Organization?

The Director-General is appointed by the World Health Assembly, which is the supreme decision-making body of WHO and is composed of all WHO Member States. The World Health Assembly makes its decision following a nomination process conducted by the WHO Executive Board.

When does the election process begin?

The election process begins when the Director-General formally invites WHO Member States to submit proposals for candidates. For the election of the next Director-General, this invitation was issued on 24 April 2026, and the deadline for submitting proposals for candidates is 24 September 2026.

What is the role of the WHO Executive Board and the World Health Assembly in the election?

The WHO Executive Board performs an initial screening of candidates, draws up a short list and nominates up to three candidates for consideration by the World Health Assembly. The World Health Assembly then appoints the Director-General from among the nominated candidates.

How long is the Director-General’s term of office?

The Director-General is appointed for a five-year term and may be reappointed once, for a maximum of two terms.

Who can be nominated as a candidate for Director-General?

Any person may be nominated by a WHO Member State, provided they meet the conditions set out in relevant governing body resolutions and decisions. Candidates do not need to be staff members of WHO, nor nationals of the Member State proposing them.

Can a Member State propose more than one candidate?

Yes. WHO rules allow a Member State to propose more than one person for the post of Director-General.

Are the names of candidates made public?

Yes. For the election of the next Director-General, after the closure of the last Regional Committee session held this year, i.e. at the beginning of November 2026, the WHO Secretariat will publish the names of candidates and the proposals received on the WHO’s website. The website will also provide links to individual websites of candidates, if any and upon request. Each candidate is, however, responsible for setting up and financing her or his own website.

Candidates may, however, be acknowledged prior to the official announcement, in which case they will be referred to as “prospective candidates” and will be acknowledged as such on the WHO website. Acknowledgement of a person as a prospective candidate will take place at the request of the nominating Member State. In addition, if any internal candidates are not already acknowledged as prospective candidates, they will also be acknowledged as prospective candidates as soon as possible after the opening of proposals.

Do WHO staff members proposed for the post of Director-General have to abide by specific obligations?

Yes. WHO staff members proposed for the post of Director-General are subject to the obligations contained in the WHO Constitution, the Staff Regulations and Rules, the Code of Ethics, and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, as well as any other relevant guidance issued by the Director-General. In particular, they are required to observe the highest standard of ethical conduct, strive to avoid any appearance of impropriety and ensure a clear separation between campaign activities and service for WHO.

Will WHO staff members proposed for the post of Director-General continue to perform their assignment at WHO?

Internal candidates will be placed on special leave to ensure a clear separation between their campaign activities and WHO’s functions. Leave will be applied from the date of the acknowledgment as a prospective candidate.

Are campaign activities of candidates subject to any requirements?

Candidates and Member States may engage in campaign‑related activities. These activities are governed by the Code of Conduct for the Election of the Director‑General of the World Health Organization. The Code of Conduct is a political understanding that was adopted by the World Health Assembly, and aims to promote an open, fair, equitable and transparent process for the election of the Director-General by setting out a number of general and specific requirements. In particular, Member States and candidates should disclose their campaign activities. The Code of Conduct provides that “[a]ll Member States and candidates should promptly disclose their campaign activities (for example, hosting of meetings, workshops and visits), together with the amount and source of all funding for campaign activities, and communicate them to the Secretariat. Information so disclosed will be posted on a dedicated page of the WHO website.”.

What are candidates’ forums?

When more than one candidate is proposed, WHO organizes two candidates’ forums. These are live platforms for candidates to make themselves and their vision known to Member States, on an equal basis. Candidates’ forums will be open to Member States and Associate Members.

The first candidates’ forum will consist of interviews with the candidates and will take place no later than two months before the opening of the 160th session of the Board (due to take place in early 2027). The second candidates’ forum will consist of a more interactive panel discussion between the candidates and Member States and Associate Members attending the forum and will take place no later than two months before the opening of the Eightieth World Health Assembly (due to take place in May 2027).

What is the web forum?

The web forum is an electronic platform through which Member States will have the opportunity, over a limited period of time, to interact with candidates through a question and answer format. The web forum is expected to take place in November 2026.

Why is the vote by the World Health Assembly conducted by secret ballot?

The appointment of the Director-General is conducted by secret ballot, in accordance with the World Health Assembly’s rules of procedure. This approach is intended to allow Member States to express their choice freely and independently. The next Director-General will be appointed by the Eightieth World Health Assembly. All Member States duly registered for the session will be entitled to vote with the exception of those Member States whose voting rights are at that time suspended in accordance with Article 7 of the WHO Constitution.

When does the newly appointed Director-General take office?

The term of the Director-General elected at the Eightieth World Health Assembly will begin on 16 August 2027.

What is the role of the Director-General?

The Director-General is WHO’s chief technical and administrative officer. The Director-General provides leadership on global health issues, oversees the work of the Organization, represents WHO internationally, and supports Member States in advancing global public health.

Where can I find official information about the election process?

Official information, including timelines, governing documents and updates related to the election of the Director-General, is published on the WHO governance and election pages on the WHO website.

Read more about Director-General elections.