We are hereby opening the call for IFMSA delegation to the 144th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organization, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland between the 24th January and the 1st February.
What is the 144th 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 (WHA – held in May), and its agenda is agreed upon.This meeting is held at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, and is a great opportunity for the IFMSA to meet with important stakeholders in the WHO and also other organisations 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.
Dates of the conference:
The WHO Executive Board Meeting is a different length every year. This year it is scheduled to be quite long. Acknowledging that it can be hard to get 10 days of leave from university study, delegates are able to attend for a shorter period. All delegates must be available at the start of the meeting (24th January) and it would desirable for delegates to stay at least 6 days (until the end of the day on 29th January).
Objectives of IFMSA’s participation in the insert external meeting:
- Deliver statements that outline the IFMSA position on a number of global health topics to the Executive Board and other member states and non-state actors
- Meet with key WHO partners
- Follow the agenda in preparation for the 72nd World Health Assembly, to maximise our advocacy efforts and develop an appropriate PreWHA programme
Selection Criteria:
The following criteria will be taken into account while evaluating your application:
- 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 experience 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.
- Understanding of IFMSA policy work and past external meetings attended;
- Potential empowerment, expected outcomes and follow up plans after the meeting, including sharing knowledge with IFMSA delegates to the World Health Assembly;
- Regional representation and gender balance will also be taken into account;
However, we also encourage emerging members who are committed to learn, gain new skills, and participate in IFMSA’s activities even beyond the conference.
There will be 11 people in IFMSA delegation – the IFMSA Liaison Officer to the WHO (delegation leader), the IFMSA Vice-President for External Affairs, and 9 selected delegates.
How can you apply?
- Fill in the Application Form – this is an online form, no need to do anything else than to fill in & click on submit.
- Fill in the Candidature Form – Form must be signed and stamped by your NMO President, and must be sent by email to [email protected] with the ”[WHOEB] Name of the applicant” in the email subject.
- Both things need to be completed/sent before Friday 23rd November 23:59 GMT.
- In case of one document missing, the application will be considered as invalid.
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. Unfortunately, IFMSA is not able to cover transportation or accommodation expenses.
In case of any questions please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected].
We are looking forward to reading your applications!
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