WHO Youth Delegate Program

Through the inclusion of youth delegates in a Member State’s official delegation, a Youth Delegate Program provides a space to young people to participate in global health governance. A national WHO Youth Delegate is a young person that is formally accredited on a Member State’s official delegation to a WHO high-level meeting. 

For young people, a WHO Youth Delegate Program provides the opportunity to be engaged and involved, to stimulate wider youth engagement with global health governance and communication, build capacity in international diplomacy, engage with other youth delegates from around the world, and create role models for other youth to get involved.
For Member States, a WHO Youth Delegate Program provides the opportunity to engage with the national youth perspective on global health issues, gain support, creativity, and unique insights for high-level meetings, contribute to sustainability by preparing young people for future careers in civil service and illustrate a concrete commitment to young people.

The position is often connected to a WHO Youth Delegate Program which lasts for several months up to one or two years. This program can include year-round support in meeting preparations, including through connecting with youth in the country (e.g. a national youth consultation). Furthermore, WHO Youth Delegates can bring what they learn back to young people, for example through masterclasses or reports.

The specific role of a WHO Youth Delegate varies between Member States. Most WHO Youth Delegates participate in the World Health Assembly, provide input to their delegation on relevant issues, and participate in their delegation’s work, such as through attending meetings and informal negotiations. The United Nations General Assembly has a long history with Youth Delegate Programs, more info here.

At the 76^th World Health Assembly, there were WHO Youth Delegate Programs from the following Member States: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Israel, Lebanon, Norway, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

The WHO Secretariat is available to provide information and advice to Member States interested in setting up a WHO Youth Delegate program or Member States and accredited Youth Delegates looking for support with an existing program. Please email youth@who.int to reach out to us. Please note that this email address will not be monitored for other types of correspondence.