First Global Model WHO concludes in Geneva

GENEVA: As many 350 young delegates from 52 countries participated in the inaugural Global Model WHO (GMWHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event organized by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at promoting global collaboration on critical health issues.

Held at WHO headquarters, the GMWHO allowed participants to engage in a simulation of the World Health Assembly, the primary decision-making forum in global health.

Young leaders worked together to draft resolutions on urgent topics, including climate change, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, the Global Health and Peace Initiative, tuberculosis, and polio eradication.

A key highlight of the conference was the adoption of a declaration urging WHO Member States to finalize a global Pandemic Agreement within the year, aiming to enhance preparedness for future health crises.

The declaration stated, “Only through coordinated action can we protect the lives, well-being, and futures of our generation.”

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the youth delegates for their commitment to global health advocacy. “This generation is pivotal in creating a safer, fairer, and healthier world, and the voices of today’s youth are essential in finding effective solutions to health challenges,” he remarked.

Savannah Jamora, an Australian hospital administrator and law postgraduate, led the conference as director-general, describing it as an inspiring platform for young people to explore health policy and diplomacy.

“Young people are essential partners in shaping global health’s present, not just its future,” she stated, stressing the importance of youth involvement in health policy to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

The GMWHO aligns with WHO’s mission to engage and empower young people, ensuring their participation and visibility in global health dialogues.

WFUNA, a global nonprofit, represents over 100 national United Nations Associations and thousands of supporters worldwide, advocating for international cooperation on pressing global issues.