Syrian Health Minister Musab al-Ali is participating in the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva as Syria seeks to expand international health cooperation and support the rehabilitation of the country’s healthcare sector.

The assembly, which opened Monday under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” is being held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva from May 18 to 23 and brings together delegations from WHO member states to discuss global health policy and strategic priorities.

Discussions during the assembly focus on strengthening health systems, preparedness for health emergencies, equitable access to healthcare services and the impact of climate change, air quality and energy policies on public health.

The meeting follows last year’s World Health Assembly, which adopted a global action plan on climate change and health and updated the international roadmap for addressing the health effects of air pollution.

WHO is also expected to launch a global communications and partnership plan on climate change and health aimed at supporting implementation of previous assembly resolutions and maintaining momentum ahead of the COP31 climate conference, which will be co-hosted by Türkiye and Australia.

Syria’s participation aims to support cooperation related to the rehabilitation of health infrastructure, the development of pharmaceutical industries and the enhancement of national health capacities and information systems.