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GENERAL INFORMATION |
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Date and location |
In line with Decision 4 of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean at its 71st session, the 72nd session of the Regional Committee will be held in person this year in Cairo.
The 72nd session (RC72) will open on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, and conclude on Friday, 17 October 2025 (exact timing to be confirmed).
The theme of RC72 is Together for a healthier future: Action. Access. Equity
Venue: WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo
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Membership and attendance |
The Regional Committee consists of one representative from each country or territory of WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Member State delegation members, advisers and representatives of other entities invited under Rule 2 of the Regional Committee’s Rules and Procedures who are unable to attend in person may follow the meeting online on WHO’s public website. Details for accessing the live streaming will be shared in due course.
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Conduct |
WHO is committed to ensuring all participants experience an inclusive, respectful and safe environment.
All participants are expected to behave with integrity and respect towards each other and everyone involved in this event.
Participants are expected to abide by WHO’s standards of conduct. WHO has zero tolerance for any form of harassment or sexual misconduct, or for any inaction against these.
For more information, please refer to the WHO Code of Conduct to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, at WHO events and the WHO Policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.
Any concerns on these or related matters can be communicated to Ms Marta Agosti, Regional PRS Coordinator (email: marta.agosti@who.int). Reports or complaints of harassment or sexual misconduct can also be made confidentially to the WHO Office of Internal Oversight Services (email: investigation@who.int). |
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REGISTRATION |
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Credentials |
In accordance with Rule 3 of the Rules of Procedure, Member States are requested to communicate the names and designations of their representatives, alternates and advisers to the RC72 Secretariat no later than 15 August 2025.
For Member States, such communication shall take the form of official credentials issued by the Head of State, Head of Government, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health or any other appropriate authority (such as embassies, permanent missions or senior government officials such as directors-general or permanent secretaries for health).
Credentials may be submitted electronically or hand-delivered to the RC72 Secretariat emrcadmin@who.int not less than two days before the opening of the session of the Regional Committee.
The credentials should be issued on the official letterhead of the competent authority and must include all the information specified in the form. The credentials must be dated, signed and stamped by the issuing authority. |
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Registration process |
Online registration is a prerequisite for attendance at RC72. Registration can be completed through the registration link.
Delegations are kindly requested to complete online registration no later than 15 August 2025.
The WHO Secretariat will confirm your registration via email.
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OFFICIAL PROGRAMME |
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Working languages |
The working languages of the Regional Committee are Arabic, English and French. Oral statements made in any of these languages will be interpreted simultaneously into the other two. Member State delegation members will be able to select their preferred language, as the meeting will be webcast in all three languages.
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Accessibility |
The meeting venue is fully accessible for individuals using mobility aids, including wheelchairs. To ensure a smooth experience, participants with specific accessibility requirements are kindly requested to inform the Secretariat in advance. This will allow any necessary support to be arranged ahead of time. For assistance, please contact emrcadmin@who.int.
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Agenda and other documents |
Official documentation for the session will be available in Arabic, English and French on the Regional Committee website from September 2025.
Participants are kindly requested to consult the documents online as the Regional Committee is a paperless meeting.
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Written statements
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During plenary meetings, delegates wishing to take the floor should signal their wish to speak by raising or standing their name plate vertically on one end.
Statements will be limited to three minutes. Interventions by international partners and non-State actors in official relations with WHO or accredited by the Regional Committee will be limited to two minutes. Written statements of no more than 600 words may be submitted for posting on the Regional Committee website under the related agenda item.
Please send statements for posting to the WHO website to emrgogovbod@who.int, indicating the name of the country delegation or entity and agenda item number in the subject line of the email.
Written statements should contain text only. No photographs, diagrams, maps or other media materials may be included (per document EB149/3).
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Eco-friendly meeting |
Organizers are committed to ensuring that the session of the Regional Committee will be environmentally friendly through its paperless initiative mentioned above. It will seek to encourage people’s participation in physical activities and to ensure that healthy food options are available to participants. |
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Travel to Egypt |
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Travel |
Delegates and participants are kindly requested to make their own travel arrangements for both outward and return journeys. |
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Visa arrangements |
Participants should obtain a visa or entry permit to Egypt prior to their departure from their home country. A visa support letter may be provided upon request. |
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Insurance |
WHO cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to the private property of participants and accompanying persons, either during or indirectly arising from participation in the Regional Committee. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
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Accommodation |
To facilitate participants’ accommodation, WHO has secured several rooms with negotiated rates in the following hotels in Cairo that are close to the Regional Office premises:
When completing your registration to attend RC72, you will be presented with a choice of room types and WHO-negotiated rates, and a form to complete with your preferred accommodation requirements. Our team will then facilitate the booking and pass the hotel confirmation on to you.
Kindly note that payment for accommodation is to be settled by participants directly with their chosen hotel. |
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Transportation |
Transportation to and from the Regional Office is available and can be arranged directly through the reception desk at your hotel.
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