Dear Medical Students Worldwide,
With great pleasure, We are opening the call for the IFMSA delegation to the 156th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organization, which will take place between the 3rd February – 11th February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. This post will inform you about all the procedures to apply to be a member of the delegation, so please read carefully till the end!
What is the 156th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organization?
The Executive Board of the WHO is composed of 34 technically qualified members elected for three-year terms. Attended by delegations from 194 Member States and some recognized international NGOs and other partners, the EB Meeting is the crucial moment where Member States define priorities for the next World Health Assembly (78th World Health Assembly – held in May 2025), and its agenda is agreed upon. This meeting is a great opportunity for the IFMSA to meet with important stakeholders in the WHO and also other organizations who usually attend. A provisional agenda for the meeting can be found here, which outlines the topics that will be discussed.
For more information about the meeting click here. Please also read the reports of the IFMSA delegation to the 150th, 152nd and 154th Executive Board Meeting to get a better understanding of the IFMSA’s efforts.
Objectives of IFMSA’s participation in the Executive Board Meeting:
Deliver statements to outline the IFMSA position on a number of global health topics to the Executive Board, Member States, and other Non-State Actors;
Meet with key WHO partners, other Non-State Actors and partners;
Following, documenting and analyzing the proceedings and Outcomes of the agenda in preparation for the 78th World Health Assembly, to maximize our advocacy efforts and develop an appropriate Youth PreWHA program;
Represent youth voices in the global health sphere and advocate for meaningful youth participation in topics relevant to IFMSA’s work.
Selection Criteria:
The following criteria will be taken into account while evaluating your application:
Only students, or those who have the student status within 6 months prior to the meeting, are eligible to apply;
Experience in the topic of the meeting – please note that as this is a broad meeting that covers many global health topics, it is expected that applicants will have read the provisional agenda for the meeting and can identify particular topics that they have experienced and/or interest in;
In the Google Form question relating to the challenges and opportunities relating to the topics addressed in the meeting, applicants should choose one agenda item to discuss.
Motivation for participation;
Understanding of IFMSA policy work and IFMSA’s external affairs efforts;
Potential empowerment expected outcomes, and follow up plans after the meeting, including in sharing knowledge with IFMSA delegates to the World Health Assembly;
Regional representation and gender balance will be taken into account.
However, we also encourage emerging members who are committed to learning, gaining new skills, and participating in IFMSA’s activities even beyond the conference.
Delegations Composition:
The IFMSA Delegation is composed of 4-5 delegates, the IFMSA Liaison Officer to the WHO (head of delegation), the IFMSA Vice-President for External Affairs, and 2-3 selected delegates will be attending the meeting in person. Please note that the final number of delegation spots is subject to change and will be available after confirmation with the WHO.
How can you apply?
Fill in the Application Form – this is an online form that also contains
Please fill out and upload the Candidature Form correctly.
The Candidature Form needs to have the name, signature and stamp of your respective NMO President in order for the application to be valid (If NMO President is the applicant, another NMO Executive board members should sign the Form)
The Application Form with Candidature Form needs to be completed/sent before the 22nd of December 2024, 23:59 GMT.
Important Information:
Delegates are expected to attend the full length of the meeting.
IFMSA is not providing financial support for flight, accommodation, and transportation purposes. This will be the full responsibility of the delegate. Therefore we highly encourage seeking financial support from other sources e.g universities.
Applications will be considered invalid if the required documents are not submitted (A Complete Application form and a signed & stamped Candidature Form with correct dates and Meeting name)
Accepted applicants will receive online preparation as soon as the results are released. IFMSA commits to train, brief, and prepare all delegates to the meeting; and to smoothly coordinate the delegation during the meeting.
This is an amazing opportunity for those passionate about Global Health and its governance. We encourage you all to apply regardless of your experience. In case of any questions please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected].
We are very much looking forward to reading your applications!
