The election took place during the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, currently held in Copenhagen, Denmark, with participation from health ministers of 53 member states, as well as representatives of international organizations and senior officials. The Azerbaijani delegation is headed by Minister Musayev.
During the opening session, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed global health challenges and outlined the organization’s strategic priorities. Regional Director for Europe Hans-Henri Kluge presented an overview of recent achievements and ongoing initiatives.
The session agenda includes key topics such as the European Work Programme 2026–2030, elections to governing bodies, and the endorsement of new strategic health initiatives.
In his address, Minister Musayev underscored Azerbaijan’s support for WHO’s efforts to transform health systems and praised the European Regional Office’s leadership in shaping future healthcare priorities.
“The three main priorities identified in the European Work Programme align with the future directions of Azerbaijan’s national health system,” Musayev noted.
He emphasized that, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has made significant progress in strengthening its national health infrastructure, developing human capital, and advancing digital transformation in healthcare.
Musayev also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, big data, and digital tools in improving health services, stressing that these technologies must be integrated responsibly and ethically:
“Digital solutions should not replace human labor but rather complement it,” he stated.
Azerbaijan’s election to the SCRC marks an important step in enhancing the country’s role in international health policy and expanding its contribution to WHO’s decision-making processes in the European region.
On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Musayev held several bilateral meetings, including with Hans-Henri Kluge and Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Chair of the WHO Pan-European Health and Climate Commission and former Prime Minister of Iceland.
During these meetings, the high level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and leading health institutions, including the WHO, was reaffirmed. Participants also highlighted Azerbaijan’s successful hosting of COP29 and its strong support for climate-health initiatives.
The WHO Regional Committee session will continue until October 30, featuring panel discussions on various health and policy topics across the European region.
