2026 World Conference on Traditional Medicine opens in Beijing

The World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 opened in Beijing on Saturday under the theme "Technology Empowerment and Integrated Development: Advancing Traditional Medicine for All." Thousands of delegates from more than 90 countries and regions gathered to share practical experience and build consensus on international cooperation.  

Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Referring to President Xi Jinping's congratulatory message to the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine, Li said traditional medicine represents an achievement of human civilization that must be preserved and passed down through generations. He added that it must also adapt to the times, upholding fundamental principles while embracing innovation. 

Li outlined three key points: traditional medicine plays a unique role in protecting human health and advancing civilization; China has forged a distinctive path in the development of traditional medicine through long-term practice; and, in the face of current challenges, the international community should strengthen cooperation to promote the revitalization and development of traditional medicine.

Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, regional director for the Western Pacific at the World Health Organization, also delivered an address. Approximately 1,200 people attended the opening ceremony, including government officials, ambassadors to China, experts and scholars, practitioners of traditional medicine and heads of relevant international organizations. 

Also attending were Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee; Liu Guozhong, vice premier of the State Council; and Wu Zhenglong, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council. 

At this conference, the Global Alliance for Traditional and Integrative Medicine was established as the first international non-profit, non-governmental scientific organization dedicated to traditional medicine. The alliance is dedicated to promoting international exchange, scientific and technological cooperation, capacity building and shared development in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, so that traditional medicine may better benefit human health. Currently, the alliance has enrolled 117 organizations and individuals from 19 countries and regions, and is open to members worldwide.