We are now in the fourth year of WHO Transformation and remain committed to moving forward. Embracing change in how we perform our duties in the Region is an essential part of our work to build back fairer for health.

We still have much to do. The evaluation and audit in 2021 found that Transformation requires additional efforts in our regional and country offices, and that was also a strong theme at the recent retreats of WHO Representatives and Directors. Areas for further development have been identified.

While the COVID-19 pandemic obliged us to focus on urgent needs, Transformation has continued and we are making progress. Countless examples have demonstrated our unity and shared purpose as one WHO: peer support between country offices, new approaches to expanding our partnerships, a deeper connection with Member States and reactivating our Regional Transformation Team.

Transformation is a continuous process, a daily matter to which each of us contributes. We saw during the pandemic just how quickly our lives and the way we operate could change to meet an unprecedented challenge. The world is continuing to change, and we must change with it. Transformation calls for daily, efficient and lasting changes to improve WHO for the long term. There is no perfection, only progress. Together, as we re-evaluate our systems, reinforce our values and principles, and refresh on our purpose, our change will bear fruit. At this moment, I ask you to join me as an agent of change, to vouch for it with an open-minded approach and join us on our journey of Transformation to internalize Vision 2023: Health for all, by all in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.