Young people are helping shape the future of global health. I was so pleased to see the new members of the @WHOYouthCouncil at the #WHS2026: bit.ly/4s1AP1G I look forward to your ideas, your leadership and, importantly, to being challenged by you. Together, for a healthier, safer, fairer world.

Enjoy this wonderful recap of the 6th #WalkTheTalk held in Geneva to kickstart WHA79. @WHO sincerely thanks the thousands of people who came to promote physical exercise for healthy living and to advocate for #HealthForALl. Gratitude to our loyal co-hosts @VilleDeGeneve, Mayor Alfonso Gomez, @GE_chancellerie and Counsellor Nicolas Walder and @swiss_un and Ambassador Thomas Gürber, and appreciation to all health partners and special guests who supported the event.

It’s a joy to Walk the Talk alongside our @WHOYouthCouncil members — our future leaders. Their optimism and energy are inspiring. #WHA79

As a founding member of @WHO, the United States of America has contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox. WHO has always engaged with the US, and all Member States, with full respect for their sovereignty. Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue. The notification of withdrawal makes both the US and the world less safe. We hope the US will return to active participation in WHO in the future. Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people. Read the full WHO statement: who.int/news/item/24-01-2026…

I commend the @WHOYouthCouncil for successfully bringing the perspectives and expertise of youth throughout 2025 to the global health agenda. Advocating for the @WHO Pandemic Agreement, climate and health action, and ways to #BeatNCDs and protect youth from harmful products like e-cigarettes are examples of how the Council has raised attention on the harms to young people’s health, and how the voices of youth can make a difference. Alongside the @WHOEMRO Regional Youth Council, we were pleased to welcome the @WHOSEARO Regional Youth Council this year, and look forward to expanding youth engagement across other WHO regions. I welcomed the Council’s recommendations to make inclusive and equitable health systems a reality by addressing the social determinants of health, empowering marginalized and vulnerable populations, leveraging digital health, and strengthening youth engagement and collaboration. As we move into 2026, we will continue nurturing the seeds you have planted so they grow into lasting progress for #HealthForAll, leaving no one behind.

I was inspired by the dedication and energy of youth activists working to protect young people from products, including e-cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches. These health champions, representing organizations including the @GYV_movement and @TheGGTC, are making their voices heard at the @WHO @FCTCofficial #COP11. They told me how concerned they are by the targeting of children and teenagers by companies that make these products for profit, and the great risk they pose from addiction and eventual use of tobacco products. On #WorldChildrensDay, I encourage all young people to stand up for their health and encourage their governments to strengthen protections against these harmful products.

#OnThisDay a year ago, the @WHOYouthCouncil launched its first Youth Declaration. Since then, they have advised me and taken part in many policy dialogues to help us advance health literacy, access to health care and empower youth voices for health.