World leaders have pledged more than US$170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) at a high-level pledging event held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The funding forms part of WHO’s Investment Round (IR), which supports the organization’s 14th General Programme of Work, a strategy aimed at saving an additional 40 million lives by 2028.

The pledges reflect renewed global commitment to multilateral cooperation in addressing rising health challenges.

Earlier in the day, Member States approved an increase in Assessed Contributions, adding US$90 million annually to WHO’s core budget towards sustainable financing for the organisation.

Pledges came from a broad mix of countries and philanthropic organizations, including Angola, Cambodia, China, Gabon, Mongolia, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, ELMA Philanthropies (with the WHO Foundation), Fondation Botnar, Laerdal Global Health (with the WHO Foundation), the Nippon Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation announced an extra US$13 million and pledged further increases in support.

Eight donors included flexible contributions, considered the most valuable form of funding, and four were first-time contributors, broadening WHO’s donor base.

WHO’s fundraising reach has also expanded through individual giving. Nearly 8,000 people around the world have joined the One World Movement as ‘Member Citizens,’ donating almost US$600,000, many through recurring monthly contributions to reflect global solidarity and public belief in the importance of WHO’s mission.

Speakers at the event stressed the need for continued investment in global health and highlighted the strategic importance of flexible and diversified financing to keep WHO agile, country-focused, and aligned with national health priorities.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the pledges, saying, “In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work.”

The contributions announced at the event support WHO’s base budget from 2025 to 2028 and demonstrate the power of partnership in building a healthier, more resilient world.