The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have officially concluded the very first in-person Global Model WHO (GMWHO) today, gathering more than 350 young participants from 52 countries. The event was held at WHO office in Geneva and served as a practical component for equipping future leaders with the necessary skills to tackle prevailing global health issues and promote international collaboration.
The GMWHO was a fast-paced simulation of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of WHO. Throughout the event, youth delegates participated in such activities as discussions and resolutions writing on various issues, such as climate change and health, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis, polio, the Global Health and Peace Initiative and so forth.
An important achievement of the conference was the call for a global Pandemic Agreement, with an urgent request to the WHO Member States to complete and put this agreement into operation, by all means, within the year. The declaration reads that only through united response we can safeguard the lives, health and the very existence of every one of us in this generation conveying the message that the world needs to come together as one in order to prepare for a pandemic.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the delegates for their commitment to health advocacy and their contributions to advancing global health initiatives. He emphasized, “This generation plays a crucial role in building a safer, fairer, and healthier world. The voices of today’s youth are vital in driving effective responses to global health challenges,” highlighting the significance of youth involvement in health governance.
The event also marked a critical learning platform for young leaders, enhancing their negotiation skills and understanding of health policy. Savannah Jamora, an Australian hospital administrator and law student serving as the GMWHO’s Director-General, highlighted the crucial role of young people as key partners in shaping global health. “Young people are not merely the future of global health; they are essential partners in shaping its present,” Jamora stated. “Engaging youth in health policy allows us to leverage their unique perspectives and innovative ideas, ensuring that policies remain relevant and responsive to the needs of future generations.” The GMWHO aligns with WHO’s broader mission to involve youth as advocates and partners in global health initiatives. WHO aims to empower young people, support their actions, promote partnerships, and ensure their visibility in the health sector.
WFUNA, a global nonprofit representing over 100 national United Nations Associations, continues to play a vital role in fostering youth involvement in international policy and advocacy. The GMWHO exemplifies WHO’s and WFUNA’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive health landscape by empowering the next generation of leaders.
