WHO through its Local Production and Assistance Unit, within the Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IET) Department, part of the Access to Medicines and Health Products Division, had a significant presence at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event was a crucial platform for WHO to advocate for local production, technology transfer, equitable healthcare access, and the strengthening of global health security. During the congress, WHO announced plans for the third World Local Production Forum (WLPF) in 2025, set to take place in the UAE, as part of its efforts to advance these critical goals.

The WLPF is a WHO initiative designed to enhance access to medicines and health technologies through local production. Since its inaugural virtual edition in June 2021, WLPF has evolved into a collaborative platform, fostering partnerships and developing strategies that support sustainable local production and equitable access to quality health products. The upcoming third edition in 2025 will continue this trajectory, with a focus on propelling advancements in local production, technology transfer, and equitable healthcare access.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of local production in his recorded message to AIM Congress 2024 attendees. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, underscoring the need for diversified production and distribution of essential health products. Dr Tedros also commended the UAE for its commitment to equity and for hosting the third WLPF in 2025, reflecting the nation's dedication to fostering a more resilient global health infrastructure.

In addition to announcing the third WLPF, WHO also had reason to celebrate at AIM Congress 2024. During the gala dinner ceremony, Dr Jicui Dong, head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit, accepted an award on behalf of WHO as an international organization partner. This recognition highlighted WHO's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable health systems, local capacity building, and integrating health into broader environmental policies. The award, presented by His ExcellencyDr Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Vice-Chairman of the Industry Development Council, reflects WHO's impactful role in driving economic growth, employment, and resilience in the health sector.

The WHO session during AIM Congress 2024, titled "The Road to the 3rd World Local Production Forum 2025", provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share insights and recommendations that will shape the agenda and outcomes of the forthcoming WLPF. The session included presentations, panel discussions, and interactions among academia, government officials, industry executives, and other key players in the health sector.

AIM Congress 2024 continued its tradition of gathering corporate leaders, policymakers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, and leading academics to discuss and share knowledge on attracting investments and fostering economic growth. The event brought together participants from public and private sectors worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to build connections and develop economic relations among nations.

As WHO looks ahead to the 3rd World Local Production Forum in 2025, the organization remains committed to advancing the global agenda for health security, technology transfer, and equitable healthcare access. This ongoing work is crucial for achieving a healthier, safer, and fairer world for everyone.

His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Vice-Chairman of the Industry Development Council, and His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, extended their greetings to Dr Jicui Dong, Head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO), during the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Dr Jicui Dong, Head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO), His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Vice-Chairman of the Industry Development Council, and His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, exchanging some words before the start of the seminar, titled “The Road to the 3rd World Local Production Forum 2025”.

Dr Jicui Dong, Head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO), and His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, delivering the keynote speech before the start of the seminar, titled “The Road to the 3rd World Local Production Forum 2025”.

Panel discussion duringthe seminar, titled “The Road to the 3rd World Local Production Forum 2025”. From left to right, Dr Jicui Dong, Head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO); Dr Jian Dong, Chief Executive Officer at the WuXi Vaccines; Dr Hatem Amer, Associate Minister of Health and Population for International Relations, Egypt; Prof. Frederick Abbott, Edward Ball Eminent Scholar Professor of Law, College of Law, Florida States University; Prof. Abderrahmane Maaroufi, Director of the Centre de Sérums et Vaccins (Institut Pasteur du Maroc); Dr Shaozhong Dong, Vice President, Walvax, Biotechnology Co. Ltd China.

Dr Jicui Dong, Head of the Local Production and Assistance Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO), receiving the award as an international organization partner, from His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Vice-Chairman of the Industry Development Council, surrounded by Abu Dhabi’s officials.