World Leaders Discuss AI in Health and Traditional Medicine

Published Date : 18/07/2025 

The AI for Good Global Summit delved into the potential and challenges of artificial intelligence in healthcare and traditional medicine, with key insights from the WHO, ITU, and WIPO. 

The AI for Good Global Summit included a session focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and traditional medicine – with keynotes from the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Held annually, the Summit is the United Nations’ (UN) leading platform on AI to solve global challenges. The 2025 Summit ran from 8–11 July in Geneva, Switzerland, and was organized by ITU in partnership with over 40 UN agencies and co-convened with the Government of Switzerland.

The Summit examined AI-driven solutions for critical global challenges, including climate change, health inequality, humanitarian action, and disaster response – while also championing ethical and sustainable AI development.

The Summit featured a Centre Stage Keynote session examining the progress and future priorities for the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H), which was launched in July 2023 by WHO, ITU, and WIPO. Although traditional medicine has been instrumental to the health and well-being of people for centuries, responsible use of AI could unlock even greater potential for good. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the AI for Good Global Summit?

A: The AI for Good Global Summit is the United Nations’ leading platform on AI to solve global challenges. It focuses on AI-driven solutions for issues like climate change, health inequality, humanitarian action, and disaster response.

Q: What is the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H)?

A: The Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H) is a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote the responsible use of AI in healthcare.

Q: What are the key priority areas for WHO in AI and healthcare?

A: WHO's key priority areas in AI and healthcare include governance, regulation, and localization. These areas focus on ensuring countries are ready to adopt AI systems, have the necessary regulatory frameworks, and that AI tools are appropriate for their specific contexts.

Q: What is the significance of AI in traditional medicine?

A: AI in traditional medicine can help bridge historical foundations with technological advancements, enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of traditional medical practices. It also advocates for responsible AI applications across different cultures and time periods.

Q: What are some of the challenges discussed in the Summit Workshop?

A: The Summit Workshop highlighted challenges such as gaps in knowledge and understanding, risks associated with AI in healthcare, and the need for ethical and sustainable development of AI tools. 

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