Traditional Medicine
Discovery Experience

Health begins with understanding: This zone explored how Traditional Medicine systems have taken shape across the world. It traced how knowledge systems evolved – across Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands, Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Americas – through observation, cosmology, manuscripts and exchange to form structured approaches to health, diagnosis and treatment. A large-scale video wall introduced participants to the science and practice of Traditional Medicine. The WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library was introduced through hands-on digital kiosks, inviting participants to explore its content and navigation system.

Understanding becomes practice: Five interactive labs offered participants hands-on experiences – exploring sensory diagnostics, meditation techniques, botanical knowledge, digital health tools, data pathways and emerging innovations. Each lab offered a practical opportunity for self-learning, curiosity and practical discovery of how different approaches can help restore balance in ourselves and the world around us, bridging ancient principles and contemporary methods. A Healers’ Voices video wall shared lived experiences and wisdom in the words of practitioners around the world.

Practice becomes action: This zone was organized around the four main objectives of the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034: strengthening evidence and innovation, regulation, health system integration and cross-sector engagement. Twenty-one innovations were presented in detail, alongside other key features such as the Healthy Ecosystems pod. A key takeaway was that we all have a role to play in sustaining balance in the world around us.

Knowledge becomes community: At the heart of the Traditional Medicine Discovery Experience was a space to meet and reflect. Areas for innovation, art and dialogue – a cinema, photo gallery and herbal tea bar – encouraged connection and conversation. Participants were invited to slow down and share their journey towards restoring balance in their own life, work and community. An Innovation Stage showcased a dynamic series of 10-minute talks from the winners of the WHO Health Heritage Innovations Challenge, who described their Traditional Medicine solutions and future ambitions for scaling up progress.

Knowledge becomes experience: India’s national pavilion translated 5000 years of Traditional Medicine into a modular, self-guided learning system for global audiences. Developed for the second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, the Ministry of AYUSH Digital Innovation Pavilion reimagined ancient knowledge through a contemporary, accessible format – balancing cultural integrity with modern media while accommodating high footfall without guided tours.

Structured as a modular knowledge network, the pavilion brought together research, lifestyle, innovation and wellness into a unified yet flexible experience. Visitors engaged with evidence-based frameworks, preventive care practices, emerging technologies and moments of reflection – positioning Traditional Medicine as both a living knowledge system and a shared global future.