China nominates Song Li for WHO director-general post
China has officially nominated Song Li to run for the World Health Organization's top job, the foreign ministry said on 8 October. Spokesperson Mao Ning said the nomination reflects China's commitment to multilateralism and global health cooperation.
China has formally nominated Song Li as its candidate for the position of director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), the foreign ministry in Beijing announced on 8 October.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, responding to questions about the WHO election, said the organisation is a specialised UN agency for health that plays a leading and coordinating role in global health governance. Noting that multilateralism is under strain and the development of global health faces significant challenges, Mao stressed the importance of the director-general in helping the WHO navigate new circumstances and maintain stability.
Mao said the decision to nominate Song Li demonstrates China's willingness to work with all parties to jointly build a global community for health and shows the country's firm support for multilateralism and the WHO. China believes that if Song Li is elected, she will help the organisation play a more active role in improving the health and well-being of all people, Mao added.
The election for the WHO director-general is expected to take place in 2027. Song Li's candidacy positions China to play a greater role in shaping global health policy.