Global Leaders Address AI's Role in Health Care and Traditional Medicine at UN Summit

July 17, 2025 - 10:55

The recent AI for Good Global Summit brought together influential leaders to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and traditional medicine. Keynotes were delivered by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This annual event, held in Geneva, Switzerland, serves as the United Nations' premier platform dedicated to leveraging AI for addressing global challenges.

The 2025 Summit, which took place from July 8 to 11, focused on AI-driven solutions to pressing issues such as climate change, health disparities, and disaster response. A significant portion of the discussions emphasized the ethical and sustainable development of AI technologies.

Alain Labrique, WHO's Director for the Department of Digital Health and Innovation, highlighted AI's transformative potential in public health and clinical medicine. He outlined key priorities for WHO, including governance, regulation, and localization of AI tools within health systems.

The Summit also showcased findings from the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H), particularly a technical brief on the integration of AI in traditional medicine. Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla emphasized the importance of responsible AI applications that respect cultural traditions while advancing scientific knowledge, thereby contributing to global health and well-being. The discussions underscored the need for innovative approaches to harness AI's capabilities in both modern and traditional health practices.