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

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

Co-convened by WHO since 1980, ICDRA conferences bring together representatives of national and regional regulatory authorities, along with other stakeholders, to exchange information, promote regulatory convergence and reliance, and strengthen collaboration in support of timely access to quality-assured, safe, effective, and affordable medical products worldwide. The conferences play a key role in addressing emerging regulatory challenges and in providing strategic input to WHO norms, standards, and guidance to support regulatory system strengthening.

WHO looks forward to the opportunity to convene the 20^th ICDRA in 2027 and continuing 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 Regulation and Prequalification Department in 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."