Indonesia backs Budi Gunadi Sadikin for WHO chief race
Voting is set for May 2027, with Budi facing competition at least from candidates from Qatar, Arab Saudi and Belgium.
Indonesia has formally backed Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin in the race to become Director-General of the World Health Organization, or WHO. Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir said the nomination is aimed at promoting a fairer global health architecture for developing countries and strengthening multilateral governance from within. Budi previously said he was encouraged by President Prabowo Subianto to run. Under the selection process, the WHO Executive Board will screen the candidates, draw up a shortlist, then forward up to three names to the World Health Assembly for a vote. According to Antara, the election is scheduled for May 2027. Budi will compete with Hanan Mohammed Al-Kuwari of Qatar, Hanan Balkhy of Arab Saudi and Hans Henri P. Kluge of Belgium, among others. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus' term ends on 15 August 2027.