Prof. Dr. Balvir S. Tomar
As the World Health Summit 2024 unfolds in Berlin on October 13th, with the theme "Building Trust for a Healthier World," the global health community is already anticipating a landmark event set for next year. From April 25-27, 2025, New Delhi, India will host the World Health Summit Regional Meeting, a significant gathering that will highlight India's growing role in global health diplomacy. This event will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in the Summit's leadership, with Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar stepping into the role of International President for WHS 2025.
Prof. Tomar, a globally renowned Pediatric Gastroenterologist and the Chancellor of NIMS University, has dedicated his career to healthcare innovation and ensuring equitable access to medical services. His pioneering work, particularly in treating pediatric liver disease, and his visionary leadership across healthcare and education make him an ideal leader for the global health community. Under his guidance, the 2025 Regional Meeting in New Delhi is expected to catalyze new discussions and developments that will shape the future of global healthcare.
The 2024 World Health Summit in Berlin, which attracted over 10,000 participants from around the world, reaffirmed its status as a crucial forum for global health dialogue. Hosted under the esteemed patronage of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Berlin Summit brought together a diverse array of stakeholders to tackle some of the most pressing global health issues, from pandemic preparedness to health equity and climate change. The upcoming 2025 New Delhi Regional Meeting will build on the momentum created in Berlin, further emphasizing collaboration, trust, and innovation in healthcare.
Prominent figures like Christina Mitchell, Dean of Medicine at Monash University, and Sophia Zoungas, Head of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, contributed to the success of the 2024 Summit. Leaders such as Axel R. Pries, President of WHS, and Carsten Schicker, CEO of the World Health Summit, helped frame global health challenges with a focus on fostering trust and cooperation across sectors. These themes will remain central as Prof. Tomar leads WHS 2025, a year that promises new opportunities for tackling the world's most urgent health challenges.
Reflecting on the importance of trust in healthcare systems, Axel R. Pries emphasized: "Trust is the cornerstone of societies and global health. It serves as the bond that connects individuals, communities, and nations. Building and sustaining trust, especially in the often fragmented field of global health, is vital for advancing our shared goals."
Prof. Tomar, a long-standing member of the WHS Academic Alliance (formerly M8), echoed these sentiments, highlighting that "trust is central to the effectiveness of health policies and interventions." He further emphasized that, in today's world marked by misinformation, health inequities, and geopolitical tensions trust must be at the forefront of global health governance. His leadership in the 2025 Regional Meeting will focus on reigniting confidence in health institutions, promoting scientific integrity, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all.
As International President of WHS 2025, Prof. Tomar brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to healthcare innovation. His leadership at NIMS University and NIMS Hospital has transformed healthcare in India, and he is well-positioned to lead international discussions on pressing issues such as digital health, climate-resilient healthcare systems, and emerging infectious diseases. His presidency represents a pivotal moment in WHS history, promising to strengthen global collaboration and drive forward sustainable health solutions.
The 2025 World Health Summit Regional Meeting in New Delhi is expected to draw over 10,000 global health experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. Together, these stakeholders will explore how transparency, collaboration, and trust can serve as the foundation for building stronger, more resilient healthcare systems. The event will also highlight India's growing role as a leader in health innovation, showcasing its capacity to address complex health challenges through partnerships, cutting-edge research, and scalable solutions.
More than just a conference, WHS 2025 will serve as a platform where visionary ideas and practical solutions come together. Under Prof. Tomar's leadership, the Summit will underscore India's contributions to global health, promoting international collaboration on issues like healthcare access, climate change, and vaccine equity. With a clear mission to foster trust, empower stakeholders, and ensure inclusive, impactful global health efforts, the Summit is poised to drive meaningful progress toward a healthier future.
As Prof. Tomar takes on the role of International President, his leadership will build on the momentum of the 2024 Berlin Summit, pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation and ensuring that strategies for improving global health are not only forward-thinking but also inclusive and sustainable. His presidency will mark a new era for the World Health Summit, reaffirming its importance as a key driver of global health progress.
Looking ahead to 2025, the global health community stands united in its commitment to fostering trust, driving innovation, and ensuring universal access to healthcare. India and Prof. Tomar will be at the forefront of these efforts, leading the way in shaping a healthier, more equitable world for all.
About Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar:
Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar is a globally recognized Pediatric Gastroenterologist and the Founder & Chancellor of NIMS University in Rajasthan, India. He is widely known for his groundbreaking work in pediatric liver disease and his leadership in healthcare innovation. With advanced training from Harvard University and King's College London, Prof. Tomar has earned international acclaim for his contributions to both medicine and education. His visionary leadership has helped shape healthcare systems in India and beyond, making him a highly respected figure in global health.
About the World Health Summit:
The World Health Summit is the leading global forum for health, bringing together experts from science, politics, the private sector, and civil society to address the most pressing health challenges of our time. Established in 2009, WHS promotes innovation, dialogue, and collaboration among stakeholders to advance global health equity. Through its annual meetings, WHS serves as a platform for shaping global health policy and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change.
