The World Health Organization (WHO) and World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) have signed a new agreement to organize the Global Model WHO that offers young people the most accurate simulation of the World Health Assembly.
“More than half of the world’s population is under 35-years-old, and yet young people often have little say in public policy decisions that affect them,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “That’s why WHO is proud to partner with WFUNA to fulfill its commitment to engage and partner with young people by supporting their leadership and advocating for their recognition and visibility.”
Global Model WHO
The aim of Global Model WHO is to promote a greater understanding of the importance of global health issues and foster support in strengthening and advancing the work of WHO. It provides an accurate simulation of the World Health Assembly to high school and university students from all over the world. By creating a fully student-led Model WHO, students learn how decisions are made at the Health Assembly.
Secretary-General of WFUNA, Bonian Golmohammadi stated that “WFUNA is honored to join together with the World Health Organization to organize this unique experience for youth around the world. The global pandemic over the last two years has highlighted the important role WHO plays in addressing global health issues. The Global Model WHO should help increase the participation of youth in the work of WHO which is critical to achieving its goals.”
A new way to engage youths
Through their participation, the students will learn more about global issues, and develop leadership and diplomatic skills and a range of interpersonal skills, including negotiating, debating, public speaking, and conducting research on health issues that people face worldwide.
The simulations of the Health Assembly will focus on topics currently on the WHO agenda. While some simulations are designed for university students who are currently enrolled in an academic programme leading to a degree in medicine, nursing or global health, other simulations are open to any interested high school or university student regardless of the disciplines they are studying.
This new way of engaging youth in WHO’s work will provide them with the tools they need to participate in the decision-making processes that determine policies on important issues and a platform for presenting their recommendations on actions that need to be taken.
An inspiration for future generations
Global Model WHO would serve as an inspiration for future generations who seek a career in global health at the national or international level. It will also provide a great opportunity to demonstrate to young people the critical issues, opportunities and challenges related to global public health and health diplomacy.
The first Global Model WHO will be held from 10 to 19 February 2023. Future editions will take place each year prior to the World Health Assembly.
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