- DG, RDs, DDGs, ADGs, WRs, colleagues and friends – a very good morning to you all.
- I am pleased to be here at the 12th Global Management Meeting (GMM), under the timely and relevant theme, “Delivering Results as One WHO.”
- We have an opportunity at this gathering to reflect on our progress, recalibrate our strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to addressing the world’s evolving health needs.
- First, I would like to acknowledge the progress we’ve made since the 11th GMM, under the leadership of the DG and everyone gathered here.
- From implementing key recommendations through the country office strengthening action plans lead by the Actions for Results Group (ARG), to enhancing our collaboration across the three levels of the Organization (Country, Regional, and Headquarters) — we’ve shown the possibilities when we act as one cohesive WHO. Our accomplishments remind us of the transformative power of shared purpose and unity.
- While the past year has been challenging, it has also provided us with invaluable lessons.
- Our Region remains highly vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. In 2023, Bangladesh experienced the worst dengue outbreak in its history, claiming over 1,300 lives. Nepal faced a significant surge in dengue cases in 2022.
- Natural disasters such as Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar and Bangladesh, the floods in Northeast India and Bangladesh, earthquakes and floods in Nepal, and landslides and flash floods in Sri Lanka, have tested our resilience.
- Throughout these crises, WHO has demonstrated its critical role in supporting Member States by providing technical guidance, mobilizing resources, and delivering timely on-the-ground emergency responses. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of my WRs and the dedication of all staff for their expertise and excellence. These experiences have shown us the importance of adaptability, accountability, and innovation in strengthening health systems and ensuring swift responses to emerging challenges.
- Country focus and country impact have been central to GPW13 and remain a cornerstone of GPW14. A clear example of our country-focused approach, which is critical for sustained impact, is the allocation of nearly 80% of resources to WHO Country Offices. Our commitment to strengthening the core staffing of these offices is evident, with 82% of Core Predictable Country Presence (CPCP) positions now being recruited.
- Significant emphasis has been placed on the development of WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS). In my region, we proudly have the highest proportion of valid CCS, a result of our extensive consultations with governments and on-ground partners.
- We lead in implementing Delegation of Authority (DOA), extending it to WRs and all Budget Center heads within the Regional Office. This has been accompanied by strengthened compliance functions to ensure effective implementation.
- Regarding partnerships, SEARO has stewarded relations with 97 national institutions designated as WHO collaborating centers, to advance our technical work across 8 Member States.
- We have brought in over USD 215 million in voluntary contributions to support our member states, which is more than half of all funding required funding for the biennium. We are actively engaging in strategic dialogue with over a dozen new partners on mental health, digital innovation, and ensuring equity for women and children – key priorities of my tenure.
- Streamlined planning and financing of WCOs, and ensuring synergy between Country Offices, Regional Offices, and Headquarters, is important. This is essential to meet the goals of GPW14.
- In South-East Asia, all countries have undertaken the output and outcome prioritization for the GPW14 through a consultative process. The region has accomplished the key tasks related to the PB 2026-27 in coordination with the countries and other Budget centers. We continue to assign more than 75% of budget and other resources to countries.
Four of our South-East Asia Member States (Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Timor-Leste) piloted the joint assessment of WHO Outputs of PB 2022-23 with their Ministry of Health. This shows the leadership of our WRs in ensuring accountability and transparency in our work.
- This year, we launched the South-East Asia Regional Roadmap for Results and Resilience. This Roadmap outlines our five priority focus areas:
- Reinforcing mental health, well-being, and quality of life for all.
- Reaffirming investments in women, girls, adolescents, and vulnerable populations.
- Realizing access to technology and innovation.
- Raising capacity through knowledge management and research.
- Refining WHO leadership and performance.
- Colleagues, the next four days will challenge us to rethink, reimagine, and recommit. I hope everyone will share their experiences since the last GMM, so that we may all benefit from each other’s practical experiences and learnings.
- I trust that we will focus on three priorities in the days ahead:
- Maintaining country focus — ensuring that WHO’s actions resonate with realities on the ground.
- Strengthening partnerships — leveraging alliances for greater impact.
- Driving the transformation agenda — embedding reforms that enhance WHO’s effectiveness.
- We have just seen the video about the expectations of WHO. The world is watching us more closely than ever before. People expect WHO to lead with vision, to act with purpose, and to deliver measurable results. We must focus on being not just reactive to crises, but rather proactive in building resilient health systems that leave no one behind.
- The road ahead is not without challenges, but together, as one WHO, we can rise to meet them. We have an opportunity to reaffirm our shared purpose and strengthen our resolve to deliver results where they matter most—on the ground, where lives are transformed.
Thank you, and I look forward to the productive discussions ahead.