48th World Hospital Congress begins in Geneva
48th World Hospital Congress begins in Geneva
The 48th World Hospital Congress opened today, welcoming around 1500 delegates from more than 80 countries and territories. The Congress takes place from 10 to 13 November in Geneva.
Dr Muna Tahlak, IHF President and Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health and Vice Provost for Clinical Affairs of Mohammed Bin Rashid University in the UAE, welcomed the IHF’s international network to its 48th Congress and spoke of the power of international knowledge exchange to transform healthcare delivery locally:
“Healthcare leadership is stronger when we listen across languages, disciplines, and borders. This year marks the 48th edition of the World Hospital Congress. As a community with a shared vision and values, we have been gathering since 1929. It is so inspiring to see leaders of hospitals and health systems come together – again and again – to learn, to share, and to advance the health of their communities.”
Mr Robert Mardini, Director-General of Geneva University Hospital (HUG) echoed the mission of global learning for local action and shared with the audience the relevance of Geneva as the host setting.
“We are truly honoured to host this year’s edition in a city that stands as a symbol of dialogue, peace, and international cooperation. I hope this congress will be a space for reflection, challenge, and inspiration over the next few days. Let’s make the most of this opportunity to exchange knowledge, forge partnerships, and return home with ideas ready to translate into local action. I thank all of you for bringing your passion and expertise to Geneva. Together, let’s chart the future of healthcare – here, in the city of global cooperation.”
Ms Christina Kitsos, Vice-President of the Administrative Council of Geneva, and Mr Pierre Maudet, State Councillor and Head of the Department of Health and Mobility, Republic and Canton of Geneva, both delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the host city. A video address from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, also inspired delegates to harness their collective influence to forge the health systems of the future, united by a shared commitment to improve health outcomes for the communities they serve.
The Opening Ceremony concluded with a keynote address by Prof. Dr Didier Cossin, Chaired Professor of Governance and Finance at IMD, Switzerland, on the theme of governance challenges in a transformed world.
The IHF World Hospital Congress is the premier event for global hospital and healthcare leaders. This year it takes place at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), Geneva. Over three days, leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community will share knowledge and good practices, exchange new ideas and innovations, and network with other senior executives. This year’s Congress features around 60 plenary and parallel sessions; more than 200 renowned speakers; 400+ poster presentations; an Innovation Hub featuring 22 solutions to challenges in healthcare settings; industry exhibitors; the IHF Awards 2025 Ceremony and Gala Reception; and guided hospital visits in Switzerland and neighbouring France.
The annual World Hospital Congress is hosted in different regions of the world. The IHF will organize the 49th World Hospital Congress in Seoul (Republic of Korea) in collaboration with the Korean Hospital Association, taking place from 19 to 22 October 2026.
