At the 79th session of the World Health Assembly, Georgia was elected as a member of the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. In this council, the country is represented by the first Deputy Minister of Health, Irakli Sania.
The Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labor, Health, and Social Welfare of Georgia shared the glimpses of the event on its official Facebook Page on June 3, 2026, Wednesday. The Georgian Health Ministry also shared a small note about the event along with its glimpses.
This council represents the highest governing circle defining global healthcare policy. Joining it provides the country with a unique opportunity to directly participate in global strategic decision-making, shaping the international health agenda and managing global challenges, further increasing Georgia’s authority and influence on the international sphere.
According to Irakli Sania, the Executive Council is the main governing body of the World Health Organization, which sets the agenda and determines the direction of global policy formation; therefore, the participation of Georgia in its work is an important recognition and, at the same time, a great responsibility.
The decision was preceded by a secret vote held at the 75th session of the European Regional Committee in Copenhagen, where, by the decision of the organization’s 53-member representatives of the country, Irakli Sania was officially named as a candidate for the Executive Council with the United Kingdom. The final approval process of nominated candidates for the Assembly in Geneva was completed, and the decision came into force.
During the preparatory stage of submission of Georgia’s candidacy, together with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was actively involved.
The Executive Board of the World Health Organization consists of 34 members, elected for a three-year term. The main functions of the Council are to implement decisions and policies of the Health Assembly, to provide consultations, and to manage the global health agenda. Representing Georgia on this high-level platform is an important step to strengthen the international role of the country.
