TFD NEWS
KARACHI: The D-8 Health Summit 2026 opens today at the Karachi Expo Centre, bringing together policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers and international experts from D-8 member states to strengthen cooperation in public health and sustainable healthcare. The three-day summit will run from 23 to 25 July 2026.
Jointly organised by the Ibn Sina Institute, the World Aging Council, and the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference, the summit is being held under the theme “Healthy and Age-Friendly D-8 Countries.” Discussions will focus on a broad range of strategic issues, including health diplomacy, population ageing, preventive healthcare, longevity, medical tourism, digital health, climate change, and sustainable health policies.
One of the highlights of the summit will be the keynote address by renowned gerontologist Dr. Kemal Ayd?n, titled “Global Health and Ageing Diplomacy: A Future Vision for D-8 Countries.” During his presentation, Dr. Ayd?n will outline proposals for international cooperation aimed at promoting healthy and age-friendly cities within the framework of the COP31 process.
Dr. Ayd?n, who graduated from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, in 1996 and developed strong academic ties with Pakistan during the early years of his professional career, has been invited as President of the D-8 Health Summit 2026 and Guest of Honour at the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference.
Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Ayd?n said:
“It is deeply gratifying to see the initiatives we launched nearly three decades ago through the Ibn Sina Institute and the World Aging Council evolve into an international platform. Returning to Pakistan-where I received my education and which I have always regarded as my second home-as the Guest of Honour is a truly meaningful experience for me.”
He also expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference, particularly Tanvir Abbas, Dr. Abid Abbas Sheikh, and the entire organising committee for their dedication and support in making the event possible.
As part of the programme, Karachi D-8 Healthcare Week will be held from 20 to 27 July 2026, featuring conferences, expert panels, B2B meetings, innovation showcases, and social responsibility initiatives centred on healthcare, ageing, innovation, and international collaboration.
The event will also mark the launch of an international signature campaign supporting the establishment of a United Nations World Assembly on Ageing, alongside the introduction of the Global Health and Ageing Ambassadors Programme.
Organisers believe that the D-8 Health Summit 2026 will serve as a significant international platform for enhancing health diplomacy among D-8 member states, expanding knowledge exchange, and fostering cooperation towards building healthier, more age-friendly and sustainable societies.
