### India Takes Center Stage at WHO Summit, Bridging Tradition and Science The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India, has emerged as a pivotal event in the global health landscape. This summit, which commenced on December 17, 2025, and concluded on December 20, 2025, gathered over 100 countries' ministers, scientists, and practitioners to discuss the integration of traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the complementary relationship between traditional practices and scientific advancements, highlighting India's leadership in this domain [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/dec/20/india-showed-tradition-science-can-advance-together-tedros-at-who-summit-on-traditional-medicine-2]. ### Key Themes and Structure of the Summit 1. **Integration of Traditional and Modern Medicine**: The summit focused on how traditional medicine can be effectively integrated into contemporary healthcare systems, promoting a holistic approach to health [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3736618-modi-and-who-chief-explore-traditional-medicines-global-potential]. 2. **Launch of Initiatives by PM Modi**: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the credibility and global acceptance of traditional medicine, including the Ayush Mark and digital platforms for AYUSH services [https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/ayush-mark-yoga-to-digital-portals-pm-modis-big-announcements-at-who-global-summit-2025-12-19-1022493]. 3. **Global Collaboration and Recognition**: The summit underscored the importance of international collaboration in promoting traditional medicine, with leaders from various countries discussing best practices and regulatory frameworks [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3736269-modi-champions-traditional-medicine-at-who-summit]. 4. **Research and Evidence-Based Practices**: Emphasis was placed on the need for rigorous scientific research to validate traditional practices, ensuring they meet modern healthcare standards [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/plenary-sessions-at-who-global-summit-highlight-research-governance-and-evidence-based-pathways-for-traditional-medicine]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Ayush Mark**: This new quality control benchmark aims to enhance the global reputation of AYUSH products, ensuring they meet international standards [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3734988-modi-launches-ayush-mark-at-who-summit-celebrates-global-traditional-medicine]. - **Digital Initiatives**: The launch of the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP) is designed to facilitate access to traditional medicine resources and services globally [https://www.newkerala.com/news/o/pm-modi-address-2nd-global-summit-traditional-medicine-today-403]. - **Global Participation**: The summit attracted participation from over 100 countries, showcasing a unified global commitment to integrating traditional medicine into health systems [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3733650-global-summit-on-traditional-medicine-bridging-ancient-wisdom-and-modern-science]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Traditional Medicine The Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine has set a significant precedent for the future of healthcare, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach that respects both traditional wisdom and modern scientific rigor. 1. **Integration is Key**: The summit highlighted that integrating traditional medicine with modern practices can enhance healthcare delivery [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3736272-global-health-leaders-unite-traditional-medicine-in-modern-healthcare]. 2. **India's Leadership Role**: India has positioned itself as a leader in promoting traditional medicine on a global scale, with initiatives that aim to build trust and credibility [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3736269-modi-champions-traditional-medicine-at-who-summit]. 3. **Future Commitments**: The discussions and initiatives launched during the summit are expected to pave the way for future collaborations and advancements in the field of traditional medicine [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3734988-modi-launches-ayush-mark-at-who-summit-celebrates-global-traditional-medicine]. In summary, the summit not only celebrated traditional medicine but also laid the groundwork for its integration into global health strategies, marking a transformative moment in healthcare discourse.