The Global Surgery Foundation Welcomes Mr. Nikhil Seth to the Board
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Nikhil Seth to its Foundation Board. A distinguished leader in international development and a pivotal figure in the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mr. Seth brings decades of high-level expertise to the mission of ensuring safe surgical care for all.
Building Global Leadership for Surgical Care: Mr. Nikhil Seth, former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, has been appointed to the Global Surgery Foundation Board.
Building Global Leadership for Surgical Care
Mr. Nikhil Seth joins the Board following a ten-year tenure as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). His career at the UN has been defined by his leadership in bridging global policy with actionable development. Notably, he served as the Head of the Secretariat for the Rio+20 Conference and played a central role in the negotiations that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
His deep understanding of multilateral cooperation and capacity building will be invaluable as the GSF works to integrate surgical care into national health plans and the broader global development agenda.
“Throughout my career, I have come to realize that surgical care is not only a medical issue; it is a development imperative and human right.”
A New Chapter for Global Efforts
The appointment marks a significant step for the GSF as it continues to build a future where everyone has access to life-saving surgical care as an indivisible component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We are honored to welcome Mr. Seth to the Board,” said Dr. Geoff Ibbotson, Executive Director of the Global Surgery Foundation. “His distinguished experience working with Governments and his pivotal role in establishing the SDGs will provide invaluable strategic direction. Mr. Seth understands that Universal Health Coverage is unattainable without surgical care, and his leadership will be instrumental in elevating this priority to the highest levels of global decision-making.”
Professor Rifat Atun, President of the GSF Board, added: “Mr. Seth’s track record in fostering international dialogue and strengthening institutional capacity is exactly what the GSF needs at this juncture. His leadership will be instrumental as we scale our efforts to support governments in building resilient, surgically capable health systems.”
Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, GSF Board Member and former Deputy-President of South Africa and Executive Director of UN Women, also welcomed the appointment, highlighting the equity imperative of the Foundation’s work. “As we strive to ensure that no one is left behind, Mr. Seth’s vision and deep experience with the SDGs will be indispensable,” said Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka. “Surgical care is a fundamental matter of equity and social justice. Having Mr. Seth on board strengthens our collective ability to advocate for those who need it most, ensuring that development gains truly reach the most vulnerable communities.”
“Mr. Seth’s vision and deep experience with the SDGs will be indispensable on the GSF Board.”
Commitment to the SDGs
For Mr. Seth, joining the GSF Board represents a continuation of his life’s work in sustainable development, identifying a critical gap that must be closed to meet the 2030 goals.
“Throughout my career, I have come to realize that surgical care is not only a medical issue; it is a development imperative and human right,” said Mr. Nikhil Seth. “Without surgical care, we cannot achieve the SDGs. I am honored to join the GSF and contribute to this vital cause, ensuring that no one is left behind simply because they cannot access the care they need.”
“Mr. Seth’s leadership will be instrumental as we scale our efforts to support governments in building resilient, surgically capable health systems.”
The Urgent Need for Surgical Care
Mr. Seth’s appointment comes at a critical time. Despite being fundamental to health, surgical care remains out of reach for a vast majority of the world’s population. The data underscores the urgency of the GSF’s mission:
5 Billion People: Approximately 5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe, affordable surgical and anesthesia care.
One-Third of Disease Burden: Surgical conditions account for nearly one-third of the global burden of disease—surpassing HIV, TB, and Malaria combined.
Economic Impact: The cumulative loss to global GDP due to the lack of surgical care is estimated to reach $12.3 trillion by 2030 if current trends continue.
143 Million Procedures: An additional 143 million surgical procedures are needed annually in low- and middle-income countries to save lives and prevent disability.
Accelerating Momentum
While the challenges are significant, the momentum for change is accelerating. Mr. Seth joins the organization following a period of unprecedented growth.
Building on the catalytic funding announcements at the 2025 World Health Assembly—which included major commitments from partners such as Johnson & Johnson, Kids Operating Room, and Ferring Pharmaceuticals—the GSF has rapidly expanded its footprint.
This increased support is translating directly into impact. In 2025, the GSF is set to reach a record 140,000 patients through SURGfund projects. With a strengthened Board and secured resources, the Foundation is better positioned than ever to close the surgical care gap and build a healthier future for all.
“We cannot achieve health for all without surgery, and Mr. Seth’s guidance will help us elevate this message.”
About the GSF Board
The Global Surgery Foundation is governed by a Board of seasoned international leaders who bring together expertise in global health, diplomacy, and sustainable development. Chaired by Prof. Rifat Atun, Professor of Global Health Systems at Harvard University, the Board ensures the Foundation’s strategic alignment with global priorities. Mr. Seth joins a distinguished leadership team that includes Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director of UN Women and Deputy President of South Africa, and Mr. John Cross, bringing vital private sector and philanthropic perspective to the organization’s governance. Together, they guide the GSF’s mission to ensure every person has access to surgical care, enabling them to live full and healthy lives.
Keep engaged with us!
Sign up with your email in the footer to receive updates
Keep reading
Building on a legacy of record-breaking Side-Events, the Global Surgery Foundation returns to the World Health Assembly in 2026. Read more