From 10 to 13 November 2025, the International Conference Centre in Geneva (CICG) will host the 48th World Hospital Congress, organised by the International Hospital Federation (IHF), with a focus on the theme of “Global Learning, Local Action for Every Patient”. The University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) and the Canton of Geneva are hosting the event. The congress brings together executives and senior managers of healthcare systems from all over the world. 1,500 participants from more than 80 countries are expected.

IHF is the only organization that provides a dedicated forum for hospital leaders from around the world to build expertise and promote best practices in healthcare. It enables hospitals and healthcare organizations around the world to share practical experiences and innovative, accessible and sustainable practices.

This is the first time that the congress will be held in Geneva, the headquarters of the IHF. Switzerland has already hosted the conference twice, in Lucerne in 1955 and in Lausanne in 1983.

Over a hundred lectures, panel discussions, master classes and workshops will take place during the four days of the congress. The focus of this congress edition is on the topic of “Global learning, local action, for every patient”, i.e. “Sharing international knowledge and anchoring it locally for the benefit of all patients”. The aim is to promote interaction between academic institutions, international organisations and health systems so that every hospital can benefit.

The programme is divided into five key themes:

•Leadership roles
• Clinical models to improve quality and safety for patients
• Sustainable, resilient and low-carbon healthcare
• Digital transformation and AI in care and hospital operations
• Human-centered experience at the center of all care activities.

See the full program.

Innovation and excellence

Another focus is on innovation, in particular through an “i to-i Innovation Hub” that accompanies ideas through to implementation. It showcases cutting-edge practices and technologies that have the potential to transform hospitals and healthcare facilities. The Innovation Hub has its own area that promotes exchange and offers participants the opportunity to get in touch directly with innovators.

See the list of innovations and organizations in the hub.

Award gala and visits to hospitals and healthcare facilities

On 12 November, a special IHF awards gala will take place to mark the programme’s 10th anniversary, which will recognise outstanding achievements in hospital management and care.

In addition to the thematic sessions, guided tours of hospitals and international institutions will be offered on 10, 13 and 14 November. Participants of the HUG tour, accompanied by the respective heads of department, will be able to discover the Centre de l’innovation (Innovation Centre), the Swiss Foundation for Innovation and Training in Surgery (SFITS), the operating theatre and the electrophysiology suite with MRI imaging room (GIBOR) and the Maison de l’enfance et de l’adolescence (House of Childhood and Youth).

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.