G20 leaders in Brazil have highlighted their interest in traditional medicine in the outcome statement of the 2024 G20 Rio leadership summit. "We recognize the potential of evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine," they wrote.
The G20 leaders’ declaration takes forward the G20 health ministerial declaration of 31 October. In that statement, G20 health ministers wrote: "We reaffirm our commitment to multidisciplinary and collaborative action, including science-based solutions, taking into account the potential role of evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine, considering WHO guidelines."
The G20 statements demonstrate continuing global momentum for traditional medicine, taking forward the 2023 G20 statement, issued under the presidency of India. The 2023 G20 statement introduced the topic of traditional medicine for only the second time at the G20, following a brief reference in 2018 under the Argentinian presidency.
In September, the G20 launched a new G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy, which underlined the role of traditional knowledge in 10 voluntary non-binding high-level principles on bioeconomy activities, including to:
- "contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, subject to national laws and in line with applicable international agreements and instruments," and
- promote "safe, secure and responsible use of science, technology, innovation and traditional knowledge, with potential benefits, risks and impacts assessed scientifically."
In adopting these bioeconomy principles, G20 leaders will continue these discussions through the next presidency, to be led by the Republic of South Africa in 2025.
The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) is a staunch advocate for increased global policy and financing for evidence-based traditional medicine, acknowledging the valuable role of traditional knowledge.
In the run-up to the Brazil leadership meeting, GTMC co-sponsored a dedicated G20 Health Working Group event in Salvador, Brazil, on 4 June called “Traditional Medicine for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage” in Salvador, Brazil, on 4 June called “Traditional Medicine for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage.” Additionally, GTMC was a key partner in the development of the new G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy, launched in September.