Call for IFMSA Delegation to 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD58)

Dear Medical Students Worldwide,

We would like to open the call for the IFMSA delegation to the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development from 7th April 2025 to 11th April 2025 in New York (United States).

Background:

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is a subsidiary body of the ECOSOC of the United Nations established in 1947 to provide expertise and make recommendations on population-related issues, with a doc on how population dynamics influence economic and social development. The Commission plays the primary role in the follow-up to implementing the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

The theme for this year is “Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages”, which aligns with the UN SDG 3 (good health and well-being). This theme highlights some key areas such as Universal Health Coverage, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, Adolescent Health, Ageing, and Health Inequalities.

IFMSA Delegation:

The delegation will consist of 5 IFMSA members and be led by the LRA. Unfortunately, all spots are in person as the engagement offered by the United Nations online is minimal.

IFMSA’s participation in the CPD58 aims to:

• Act on behalf of 1.5 million medical students worldwide on sexual and reproductive health, rights, and other areas.

• Participate in parallel and side events during the meeting.

• Network with external partners and connect with member states.

• Create and develop advocacy plans, policy briefs, statements and other advocacy-related publications.

• Support the LRA in developing the logistical aspects of the meeting.

IFMSA delegates are expected to:

• Be available to attend the entire duration of the event;

• Contribute to all tasks agreed upon with the rest of the delegation before the event;

• Contribute to the preparations in the period before the event and support follow-up plans in the period following the event and according to the timeline agreed upon within the delegation;

• Work effectively towards the final objectives for IFMSA in the meeting;

• Show full commitment and respect to tasks, deadlines, and fellow delegation members.

Application Process:

• If you are interested, fill out the application form by 7th February 2025, 23:59 GMT; and

• Upload a signed and stamped Candidature Form: You must upload a correctly filled candidature form (including the Title of the Meeting as per the email you received) signed and stamped by your NMO President. A correctly filled CF is a requirement for your application to be considered valid.

  • Title of the Meeting: The 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development.

• Upload a Proof of Enrollment. A document must be attached showing that the applicant is a medical student or a student of other health-related disciplines or that they have graduated within the last 6 months. The document must be translated into ENGLISH and include both the candidate’s name and the date and something that proves its validity (signature, university stamp, etc.).

• Refer to the IFMSA ‘How to Write an Application Manual’ (here) to help you write your application!

• Selection criteria:

  • Motivation

  • Interest and/or prior experience in SRHR, adolescent health, ageing, UHC, etc.

  • Experience in External Affairs and Advocacy (inside and outside of IFMSA)

  • Follow-up plans

  • Contribution plans to the delegation

  • Availability during the entire meeting

  • Regional and gender representation

  • Be a student or have graduated no more than 6 months before the meeting.

Information session

If you have any questions or inquiries related to the call, feel free to reach out us through email ([email protected])

Best Regards, 

David Martínez, Liaison Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Issues, incl. HIV and AIDS