This is the first time that Geneva, at the crossroads of international health diplomacy, humanitarian action, and hospital innovation will play host to this event. It is also a significant event for the IHF as the city is home to its headquarters. The bid to host the congress was supported the canton of Geneva and by H+, Switzerland’s principal association of public and private hospitals and healthcare facilities. The country has hosted two previous editions of the congress; in Lucerne in 1955, and in Lausanne in 1983.
Theme and tracks : tackling the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare
The 48th World Hospital Congress (WHC) will be held from 10th to 13th November 2025 at Geneva’s International Conference Centre (CICG), bringing together international healthcare leaders over four days of thought-provoking discussions. Focused on the theme of “Global learning, local action, for every patient,” the congress will explore five key tracks: leadership imperatives, clinical models enhancing quality and safety, environmentally sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon healthcare, digital transformation and AI in care and hospital operations, and the human-centred experience - a principal core to all healthcare activity.
Robert Mardini, director general of the HUG, highlights the importance of this gathering in driving forward global healthcare progress. “It is the spirit of innovation, excellence, and international collaboration that propels our sector forward. Through this congress, we will push boundaries, challenge perspectives, and offer insights that inspire new ways of thinking. This is not just about where healthcare stands in 2025, but where we aim to be in the future. Prepare to engage, to be challenged, and to be inspired.”
Record-breaking call for abstracts
The call for abstracts is traditionally open to administrative and clinical leaders of hospitals, healthcare facilities, hospital associations, professional associations, government agencies, accreditation bodies, academic institutions, research organizations, and NGOs. This year’s edition in Geneva has generated tremendous interest with a record number of submissions –1,234 abstracts from 61 countries. The scientific committee is currently reviewing all proposals, and the program will be published in June 2025.
Showcasing innovation and excellence
Alongside this scientific program, the congress will include activities showcasing healthcare innovations at the i-to-i Innovation Hub, in collaboration with Stanford Healthcare, as well as masterclasses and workshops with the Geneva Sustainability Centre to support healthcare leaders to build resilience through advancing sustainability. A special IHF Awards Gala event, on 12th November, will mark the 10th anniversary of the Awards program that recognizes excellence in hospital and healthcare leadership.
Hospital and healthcare site visits
To complement the scientific sessions and extend the global learning, the program also includes optional visits to hospitals and select international institutions, on 10th, 13th and 14th November. Delegates registered to discover the HUG will be able to take part in guided tours of its Innovation centre, the Swiss Foundation for Innovation and Training in Surgery (SFITS), the GIBOR a combined MRI, surgical and rythmology platform, the Maison de l’enfance et de l’adolescence and the HUG’s sustainability initiatives. Visits to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN and neighbouring hospitals in Vaud and in France are also on the program.
Registration details
Discounts are available for registrants coming from low and lower-middle-income countries and students. Visit www.worldhospitalcongress to register. Members of the press interested in covering the event or seeking more detailed information should contact the Press and public relations service of HUG.