Four global leaders in medicine, policy, business and travel will set the agenda for the 20th anniversary of the summit in Phuket.
MIAMI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The World Health Summit (GWS) announced today that its 20th anniversary meeting will be held in Angsana Laguna, Phuket, Thailand. The five-star beach resort is located in the famous Laguna Phuket Integrated Resort Complex and offers a unique setting between the calm lagoons and the white sands of Bang Tao Beach.
GWS has named four co-chairs who will help shape the agenda for the November 10-13, 2026 conference. Each brings a distinct perspective on the rapidly growing wellness sector and a deep familiarity with both the Asian and global healthcare landscape.
Phuket is widely recognized as one of the world’s most vibrant health destinations, with a rich mix of traditional therapies, luxurious spa experiences, medical wellness clinics and nature-based retreats. Hosting the event here will allow delegates to not only be invited to an industry-leading conference, but also experience the region’s world-class wellness offerings.
Set in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by waterways, Angsana Laguna Phuket combines nature, adventure and relaxation, with extensive spa, wellness and outdoor facilities that reflect Thailand’s long tradition of holistic wellness. The resort setting offers Summit delegates the rare experience of both lagoon and beach views in one of Phuket’s most exclusive luxury destinations.
GWS has named four co-chairs who will help shape the agenda for the November 10-13, 2026 conference. Each brings a distinct perspective on the rapidly growing wellness sector and a deep familiarity with both the Asian and global healthcare landscape.
Based in Hong Kong, Kathy Feliciano-Chun is the Greater China Managing Partner of FINN Partners, a communications and strategy firm specializing in travel, hospitality and lifestyle. Jiří Dvořák, MD, PhD, is a professor of neurology at the University of Zurich and co-founder and senior executive advisor of the BDMS Health Clinic in Bangkok. Jessica Jesse is the visionary force behind BuDhaGirl®, serving as founder, CEO, and creative director, and now creator of Zen Collective. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, MSc, PhD, is the Director General of the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Division at the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand.
The invitation-only meeting—expected to be the largest in the organization’s history—will bring together CEOs of leading healthcare companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for a four-day discussion on the forces driving the health economy.
“The global wellness and longevity movement must be grounded in science,” Dvorak said. “If we want to improve public health, we need an evidence-based approach that governments, health care systems and insurers are willing to adopt. As co-chair of the 20th World Health Assembly, I look forward to advancing this conversation and helping to put prevention and lifestyle medicine at the center of future health care.”
“It is a deep honor for me to serve as co-chair of the 20th Anniversary World Health Assembly in Phuket – not only as a GWS board member, but as someone whose life and work have been deeply inspired by Asian culture,” said Jesse. “Having worked in Thailand for more than fourteen years, I have experienced first-hand the country’s extraordinary devotion to wellness, spirituality and compassionate living. Joining global health leaders in Phuket allows us to celebrate the roots of wellness while helping shape the future of the $6.8 trillion global economy.”
About colleagues
Cathy Feliciano-Chun
Cathy Feliciano-Chon is a managing partner at FINN Partners Greater China with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. A marketing and communications specialist with over 30 years of experience, she leads global campaigns and market entry strategies for leading hotel groups, hospitality companies and consumer brands. He also drives the company’s thought leadership initiatives, generating research and insights on topics related to travel and tourism, the future of food, smart cities and wellness.
Jerry Dvorak, MD, PhD
Dr. Jerry Dvorak is a professor of neurology at the University of Zurich and a senior consultant in neurology and research at the Schultheis Clinic Spine Center, where he helped build the institution over four decades. A leading researcher in spine science, clinical biomechanics and sports injury prevention, he has authored more than 460 scientific articles and numerous textbooks. From 1994 to 2016 he served as Chief Medical Officer for FIFA, overseeing medical services for 74 matches, including six FIFA World Cups. He co-founded the BDMS Health Clinic in Bangkok and now serves as its senior executive advisor, focusing on scientific health and mental health.
Jessica Jessie
Jessica Jessee is the visionary force behind BuDhaGirl®, serving as Founder, CEO, and Creative Director, and is now the creator of Zen Collective, the brand hub for Shan Shan, Komali, and Spirit & Nest. She founded BuDhaGirl as a luxury lifestyle brand dedicated to wellness across multiple sectors, expressed through beautiful, meaningful objects. Through her signature philosophy, Mindful Glamour®, she integrates mindfulness practices and intentional alignment into everyday wearable and consumable pieces, turning the ordinary into the sacred. Zen Collective expands this vision by fostering a like-minded community through curated content, shared traditions and purposeful conversations, offering a space where mindfulness and modern life intersect.
Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, MD, MSc, PhD
Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee is the Director General of the Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine of Thailand at the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. With over two decades of experience in health policy and system innovation, he has been instrumental in the development of Thailand’s national health strategies and digital health transformations. He developed the MOPH Prompt and iClaim platforms to expand healthcare access and efficiency, and serves in global leadership roles including Vice-Chair of the WHO Executive Board and Chair of the APEC Health Working Group.
Registration is now open; New delegates can request an invitation here.
Special room rates at Angsana Laguna Phuket for the event start at 7,000 THB, or approximately US$216. Delegates can book a room at this link.
Accredited media can apply to participate here.
About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit brings together leaders and audiences to positively shape the future of the $6.8 trillion global health economy. In addition to the annual conference held at various locations around the world, GWS also hosts annual individual events such as the Wellness Real Estate and Communities Symposium with virtual sessions, including wellness masterclasses and wellness sector spotlights. The organization d The Future of Wellness: Trends The report predicts the top health trends for the coming year and is often cited in the media. The 20th Annual World Health Assembly will be held in Phuket, Thailand, November 10-13, 2026.
Source World Health Assembly
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