Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues and friends,
As we conclude the Nineteenth Meeting of the Subcommittee on Policy and Programme Development and Management, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all delegates for your active engagement, thoughtful interventions and constructive recommendations throughout today's deliberations.
This meeting has once again demonstrated the Region's strong commitment to transparent governance, accountability, evidence-informed decision-making and collective action in advancing public health. Through your discussions, you have provided valuable guidance on critical issues relating to programme performance, financing, future programme budgets and evaluation.
Today, we reviewed the achievements, challenges and lessons emerging from the implementation of the Programme Budget 2024–2025. Member States acknowledged the Region's progress across a range of priority areas, while also emphasizing the importance of predictable and sustainable financing, strengthened monitoring and continued support for country priorities.
We further examined the implementation of the Programme Budget 2026–2027 during the first six months of the biennium. I appreciate thoughtful interventions on financing, accountability and performance management, as well as the strong emphasis placed on resources alignment with priorities for delivering measurable impact at country level. The constructive dialogue on sustainable financing and resource mobilization reflects our shared recognition that strong and resilient health systems require both sound planning and adequate investment.
Your guidance on the Proposed Programme Budget 2028–2029 was equally valuable. I am encouraged by the support expressed for a country-focused, results-based approach, and by the emphasis placed on prioritization, accountability, transparency and equitable allocation of resources. These discussions will help ensure that the next programme budget remains responsive to country needs while supporting WHO's core normative, technical and operational functions.
I am also grateful for the exchange of ideas on evaluation. Member States reaffirmed the importance of evaluation as a tool for learning, accountability and continuous improvement. Your recommendations on strengthening evaluation capacity, promoting the use of evaluation findings and supporting independent evaluation processes will contribute significantly to enhancing organizational effectiveness and impact across the Region.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
Today's discussions reaffirmed a common commitment to country ownership, measurable results, sustainable financing, accountability and evidence-based decision-making—principles that underpin the Fourteenth General Programme of Work and the Banyan Framework.
I thank Member States for your continued partnership and support. As WHO advances reforms to remain agile, effective and responsive to country needs, your guidance and collaboration remain essential.
The recommendations adopted today will inform the Seventy-ninth Session of the Regional Committee and strengthen our collective efforts to improve health outcomes across the Region.
Before concluding, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Rapporteur for their excellent leadership. I also thank all delegates, observers, colleagues from Member States, WHO country offices and the Regional Office, and the conference and support teams for their dedication and contributions to the success of this meeting.
The strength of our Region lies in our partnership. Together, let us continue to build on this momentum as we prepare for the Seventy-ninth Session of the Regional Committee and advance better health and well-being for the nearly two billion people of South-East Asia.
I wish you all safe travels and every success in your important work.
Thank you.