Belgium’s federal government has nominated Hans Kluge for the post of director-general of the World Health Organisation, the Belgian doctor announced on X on Friday.
Kluge, 57, has served as the WHO’s regional director for Europe since 2020. In line with the organisation’s rules, he is stepping aside from that role during the process.
He said he was honoured by Belgium’s confidence in him and grateful for the opportunity to take on what he described as an important responsibility.
During this period, Kluge said he plans to consult member states, partners and civil society to hear their views and exchange ideas on the future of the WHO and global public health.
The Government of Belgium has nominated me for the position of WHO Director-General. I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence Belgium 🇧🇪has placed in me, and grateful for the opportunity to stand for this important responsibility. Effective today, I will be on special… pic.twitter.com/kZJo6UydEH
— Hans Kluge (@hans_kluge) August 21, 2026
He also said his commitment to the WHO, its member states and the organisation’s values remained unchanged.
Kluge praised the “outstanding leadership” of current WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, saying the Ethiopian had guided the organisation through some of the most challenging periods in global health.
Tedros is serving his second and final term as director-general.
