The 47th World Hospital Congress came to a close today in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) with a motivational message about the potential of the health sector’s leaders to improve health outcomes for their local communities through the knowledge exchanged during the event.

The Congress had returned to Rio de Janeiro 15 years after the last Brazilian edition of the premier event for global leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community. Co-organized by the International Hospital Federation (IHF) and the Brazilian Hospital Federation, the theme for this gathering was “global learning, local action”.

Over three days, around 1,250 delegates from 65 countries and territories gathered at the Windsor Convention & Expo Center for 50+ plenary and parallel sessions; more than 200 renowned speakers; 230+ poster presentations; a showcase of 27 healthcare innovations; industry exhibitors; the IHF Awards 2024 Ceremony and Gala Dinner; and guided hospital visits in Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo.

Co-Chairs of the Congress Scientific Committee, Dr Graccho Alvim Neto, VP, Associação de Hospitais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, addressed delegates alongside Ms Gilvane Lolato, Operational Manager, Organização Nacional de Acreditação (ONA):

“The diversity of experience and knowledge represented here has illustrated one undeniable truth: no one nation, no single institution can tackle the complexities of modern healthcare alone. It is through our collective efforts – through partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support – that we can truly drive meaningful change. Don’t forget that we are agents of change.”

In a video address to Congress delegates, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, discussed the evolution of the role of hospitals in delivery universal health coverage:

“With integrated planning, hospitals can reinforce the vital role of primary care, in preventing or delaying the need for people to use hospitals. Of course, when people do need hospitals, they must be able to deliver high quality, safe, and person-centred care.”

Dr Carlos Amilcar Salgado, Director, Department of Care Regulation and Control, Secretariat of Specialized Health Care Ministry of Health, spoke about Brazil’s contribution to the future of the healthcare sector and also the ways in which it will benefit:

“On behalf of the minister, I thank you for the invitation to participate in such an important event to talk about access and equity in Brazil and everyone else. We were honoured to participate in the debate in the search to solve the enormous problems. Our regional inequalities can be addressed through the initiatives discussed here. We need to look for solutions that alleviate the problems of our population in terms of public and private services. We need to find sustainable solutions for the sector.”

Dr Muna Tahlak, IHF President and President and CEO of Latifa Hospital in Dubai, gave an inspiring speech about the transformational force generated by exchanging ideas, innovations, and good practice with other countries and regions:

“The takeaways that stay with each of us will be different. And they could have come from any kind of hospital or health system, and from anywhere in the world. This global dialogue has such power to drive meaningful change when each of us returns home. We are living the meaning of ‘global learning, local action’ for our patients, our workforce, and our communities – and for the sustainable future of the world’s health systems. I take a great deal of encouragement from the thought that all of us have something to learn, and all of us also have something to teach.”

Dr Adelvânio Francisco Morato, President of the Brazilian Hospital Federation (FBH), echoed Dr Tahlak’s sentiment and shared his pride in the successful delivery of the Congress:

“We close this congress with the certainty that the bonds created here, the ideas discussed, and the solutions shared will reverberate for a long time, positively impacting hospital care in every corner of the world. We leave here stronger, more united and more determined to transform healthcare, offering excellent care to everyone who needs it.”

Dr Morato then ceremonially handed over hosting duties for the 48th World Hospital Congress to Geneva (Switzerland), where the event will be held on 10–13 November. The IHF will organize the 2025 Congress in collaboration with the University Hospitals of Geneva and the Canton of Geneva.

On accepting the duties, Anne-Geneviève Bütikofer, Director of H+ Swiss Hospital Association, and Mr Alain Kolly, Acting Director-General of the University Hospitals of Geneva, and Ronald Lavater, CEO of the IHF which is headquartered in Geneva, received a token from Dr Morato in ceremonial handover. Mr Kolly gave a preview of Geneva’s vision for the next edition:

“Next year, for the first time, the IHF World Hospital Congress will be held in Geneva, and HUG will have the privilege of hosting this prestigious event. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share our expertise with all of you and we are excited to organize visits to our facilities during the congress. This event will provide numerous opportunities to connect with hospitals across Switzerland and Europe, as well as with leaders in the healthcare sector. Geneva is home to 40 International Organizations, around 750 460 NGOs, and the Permanent Representations of 181 States, including Switzerland. This unique ecosystem makes Geneva an exceptional location on the global stage.”

Beyond the Congress’ scientific programme, there were several highlight events.

• Announcing the winners in each of seven prestigious categories of the IHF Awards 2024 at a spectacular Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner: https://ihf-fih.org/press-and-media/international-hospital-federation-announces-winners-of-ihf-awards-2024/
• Awarding the best poster presentations, as judged by the committee, as well as the People’s Favourite Poster Awards, as voted for by Congress delegates: https://ihf-fih.org/news-insights/winners-of-best-poster-awards-at-the-world-hospital-congress-2024-announced/
• The IHF’s Geneva Sustainability Centre launching its Healthcare Sustainability Certification programme, co-developed with Joint Commission International. https://ihf-fih.org/press-and-media/geneva-sustainability-centre-in-collaboration-with-joint-commission-international-launches-new-healthcare-sustainability-certification/