The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) has finalized the First WHO World Model (MMOMS) 2024. This event brought together more than 350 young people from 52 countries at the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.
The simulation, inspired by the World Health Assembly, allowed youth representatives to discuss major global health challenges. These included climate change, antimicrobial resistance and mental health.
This event adds to the growing calls of the WHO to address global health crises, such as the tuberculosis and the Mpox.
WHO Global Model 2024: Statement on the need for global agreement
During the event, delegates adopted a statement in which they underline the need to establish a global agreement on pandemics before the end of the yearIn the document, young people demand a coordinated response to protect the well-being and lives of future generations. “We can only protect the life, well-being and future of our generation if we act in a coordinated manner”, the document states.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed delegates and praised their commitment to global health. “This generation is taking an active role in building a safer, fairer and healthier world. The contributions of today’s youth are critical to finding effective solutions to global health crises,” he said.
The importance of youth participation in global health policy
Savannah Jamora, a hospital administrator in Australia and CEO of the event, highlighted the value of involving young people in global health policy. “Young people are more than the future of global health – they are indispensable contributors to its present,” she said. “Their participation allows us to harness their experience, perspectives and innovative ideas to design policies adapted to the needs of the next generation.”
Organized in collaboration with WFUNA, the MMOMS is part of an ongoing effort by WHO to empower young leaders and foster their integration into health diplomacy and governance.
