20th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities Update

The World Health Organization (WHO) wishes to inform all regulatory authorities, partners, and stakeholders that the 20th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA), originally planned for April 13–17, 2026, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will no longer occur as scheduled.

WHO will, in due course, issue a new call for expressions of interest to host the 20th ICDRA.

Co-convened by the WHO since 1980, ICDRA conferences gather representatives from national and regional regulatory authorities, along with other stakeholders, to share information, encourage regulatory convergence and reliance, and enhance collaboration aimed at ensuring timely access to quality-assured, safe, effective, and affordable medical products globally. These conferences are crucial in tackling emerging regulatory challenges and offering strategic guidance to WHO norms, standards, and recommendations to bolster regulatory system strengthening.

WHO looks forward to the opportunity to convene the 20th ICDRA in 2027 and to continue its engagement with regulatory authorities and partners in advancing global regulatory cooperation.

"The International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities remains a cornerstone of global regulatory cooperation under WHO’s leadership,” said Dr. Rogério Gaspar, Director of the Regulation and Prequalification Department in the Health Systems, Access, and Data Division at WHO. “We deeply value the sustained commitment of the global regulatory community in strengthening regulatory systems and advancing equitable access to quality-assured medical products.”