WHO/Europe, in collaboration with the Government of Türkiye, is hosting the WHO Ministerial Conference on advancing health security through earthquake emergency management on 1–2 July 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Health emergencies caused by natural hazards, particularly earthquakes, pose significant risks to population health, health systems and communities. The devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria in February 2023 highlighted the scale of these impacts and the importance of strong preparedness, coordinated response and international collaboration.
This conference will bring together ministers of health, senior officials, technical experts and partners from across multiple WHO regions to strengthen collaboration and share experiences in earthquake emergency management. Participants will exchange lessons learned, explore WHO tools and guidance and identify priorities to better protect health before, during and after earthquakes.
The event aims to enhance awareness of earthquake-related health risks, strengthen national and international capacities and build commitment to improving preparedness, response, resilience and recovery.
The conference will be held over 2 days: a technical session on 1 July and a ministerial session on 2 July, where ministers of health will reaffirm their commitment to advancing earthquake health emergency management.
Approximately 250 participants are expected to attend, including representatives from WHO, governments, emergency response agencies and partner organizations. Participation is by invitation only. The working language will be English with simultaneous interpretation available in Turkish, Russian, Arabic and French.