Ministry of Health and Welfare, WHO to Hold 'World Bio Summit' on 21–22; Discuss AI Medical Innovation

[Financial News] The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO) will discuss ways to expand the global reach of AI-enabled biohealth innovation and the benefits of technology.
The ministry said on the 14th that it will host the '2026 World Bio Summit' at COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul on the 21st and 22nd.
This year's theme is 'Spreading Biohealth Innovation through AI.' The summit will examine the changes AI is bringing to science, medicine and the biohealth industry, and explore ways to ensure that people around the world can share equally in the benefits of innovation.
The event is co-hosted by the government of the Republic of Korea and WHO, and organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute. It will be held in conjunction with the 49th World Hospital Congress, which runs from the 20th to the 22nd at the same venue.
Government officials at ministerial and vice-ministerial level from countries including Armenia, Qatar and Türkiye are expected to attend, along with representatives of international organizations and non-governmental organizations, including WHO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Representatives from global pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Roche, Amgen, Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as people from academia and the healthcare sector, will also participate.
At the opening ceremony, the 'AI Healthcare Seoul Declaration for Responsible Innovation and Global Solidarity' will be announced. The declaration is expected to call for using AI to drive innovation in health care and improve health while ensuring that everyone can benefit without disparities based on country, region or social class. It will also stress the need for safe and responsible use of AI and cooperation among the international community.
At the keynote event, the 'Leaders' Dialogue,' international leaders and AI and healthcare experts will discuss AI's impact across the entire biohealth lifecycle, the safe use of technology and ways to ensure sustainable investment, among other topics.
The main program will comprise three sessions: 'New Science,' on the future of AI-based health care; 'New Value,' on creating value in the biohealth industry and healthcare settings; and 'New Finance,' on funding and global cooperation to support AI innovation.
Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said, "It will be a forum for discussing the future of AI medical innovation. We will work with the international community to lead AI medical innovation and ensure that its benefits are shared equitably by all."

[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter