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WHO's New Delhi HQ: More Than a Workplace, a Symbol of Global Health

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros just opened the brand new WHO South-East Asia office in New Delhi. Dr. Tedros called it more than just a workplace, highlighting it as a symbol of shared purpose for global health. This modern, eco-friendly building, funded by India, is packed with sustainable features like solar power. It even preserves historic art, including a famous mural by MF Husain, blending the past with a future-ready vision.

Key Points: Modi and WHO DG Tedros Inaugurate New Delhi Regional Office

  • The new office is a modern, sustainable facility built with India's $35 million support
  • It features green standards like solar energy and rainwater harvesting
  • The inauguration closed the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine
  • Historic artefacts, including an MF Husain mural, are preserved in the new building
2 min read

More than a workplace: WHO DG as South-East Asia Regional Office inaugurated in New Delhi

PM Modi and WHO DG Dr. Tedros inaugurate the new sustainable WHO South-East Asia office in New Delhi, a symbol of shared health goals.

"This building is more than a workplace. It is a symbol of shared purpose and cooperation... - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General"

New Delhi, December 19

The newly constructed World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office in New Delhi was inaugurated on Friday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who described the facility as "more than a workplace".

The virtual inauguration coincided with the closing session of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, and the new building was constructed with generous support from the Government of India.

Thanking India for hosting the Regional Office and financing the project, Dr Tedros said, "This building is more than a workplace. It is a symbol of shared purpose and cooperation and a platform from which we will continue striving toward WHO's founding goal: the highest attainable standard of health for all."

The new facility comprises three interconnected towers with modern and sustainable features, built on the same Indraprastha Estate land where the original 'WHO House' stood for over five decades.

Officer-in-Charge of WHO South-East Asia, Dr Catharina Boehme, expressed gratitude to India for providing a modern, future-ready, and environmentally sustainable facility, calling it a symbol of shared vision and commitment to advance health and wellbeing in the region.

"This is not just a building; it is a symbol of our shared vision and commitment to advance health and wellbeing across the region and beyond," she said.

Later in the day, Union Health Minister JP Nadda led a site visit to the office along with Health Ministers and representatives of the WHO South-East Asia Member States, Dr Tedros, and Dr Boehme.

Designed to meet green building standards, the office incorporates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, water treatment and reuse, indoor and outdoor gardens, and reduced heat gain through its facade. It also features extensive meeting and conference infrastructure, including a large auditorium.

Artworks and artefacts from the old building, gifted by Member States, have been preserved, including the MF Husain mural titled 'The History of Medicine', now installed in the reception hall of the new office with the help of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Built at a cost of USD 35 million, the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office has a total built-up area of over 40,500 square metres, significantly larger than the 10,500 square metres of the old WHO House, reflecting the WHO's expanding role and capabilities in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Great to see the MF Husain mural preserved! It's important that modern development doesn't erase our cultural heritage. INTACH did good work here. The building looks impressive, but I hope its work in improving public health across South-East Asia is even more impactful.
R
Rohit P
USD 35 million is a significant investment. While I appreciate the symbolism and the green features, I genuinely hope this translates into tangible health outcomes for our region. We have so many pressing health issues that need attention and funding.
S
Sarah B
The timing with the Traditional Medicine summit is perfect. India has so much to offer in terms of Ayurveda and other traditional knowledge. Hopefully, this new office becomes a hub for integrating that wisdom with modern science for better health solutions.
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Vikram M
The old WHO House served us well for 50 years. This new, larger facility reflects how much the organization's role has grown. It's a solid infrastructure investment for the future. Now the focus must be on the work inside those walls - preventing pandemics, improving maternal health, tackling malnutrition.
K
Kavya N
A symbol of shared purpose, as Dr. Tedros said. In a world often divided, cooperation on health is something everyone can get behind. Delhi is a fitting location—a bridge between many worlds. Hoping for great work to emerge from here! 🙏

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