Event highlights
A second group of young public health professionals has completed its programme of learning and work placements as part of the Pan-European Leadership Academy (ELA), led by WHO/Europe. Over 30 colleagues from across the WHO European Region took part in a closing ceremony to celebrate the journey and accomplishments of 7 emerging public health leaders from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The Tier 1 programme, designed for early-career professionals, spanned 9 months of structured leadership development, including webinars, coaching and immersive placements in WHO offices across the European Region.
Insights from participants
Participants reflected on their experiences through powerful personal stories and photos, covering projects in mental health, clinical trials, public health emergency response and more. Their work spanned placements in Almaty, Copenhagen, Istanbul, and beyond –demonstrating the ELA’s impact on both leadership growth and country-level outcomes.
Marina Duishenkulova from Kyrgyzstan, who focused on health communication and behavioural insights during her placement, expressed a common sentiment: “Through ELA, I discovered new leadership perspectives, from systems thinking to adaptive decision-making. The programme strengthened my confidence, empathy and ability to lead with purpose in complex public health settings”.
A tailored leadership syllabus
During the closing ceremony, Pascale Goreux, WHO/Europe’s ELA Coordinator, highlighted the programme’s commitment to cultivating values-driven, adaptable leaders. Professor Janusz Janczukowicz, Educational Lead for Tier 1, from the Medical University of Lodz in Poland, shared insights into how the curriculum was put together, with an emphasis on transformational leadership, systems thinking and personal development.
This hands-on tailored learning included 2 cornerstone courses on coaching skills for emerging leaders, and the art of communication and facilitation, delivered by Elena Jorgensen, the Academy’s administrative support.
Throughout the programme, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, offered personal reflections and encouragement, and met with participants prior to the closing ceremony.
Looking ahead
The event closed with a call to action: to carry forward the skills, connections and vision developed during the ELA programme. “This isn’t an end but a transition,” noted a member of the ELA Secretariat, encouraging participants to stay connected, lead with integrity and continue contributing to public health transformation.