Youth Council Member @2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy

World Health Organization (WHO) 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global call for expressions of interest for the third term of its Youth Council, covering the period 2026–2028.

The initiative invites youth-led, youth-focused, and international organizations to participate in shaping global health policies and strengthening youth engagement in health systems worldwide.

Announced on 12 June 2026, the call is part of WHO’s ongoing effort to institutionalize youth participation in global health governance and expand the role of young people in policy development, advocacy, and innovation.

Applications close on 30 June 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: Strengthening Youth Voice in Global Health Governance

The WHO Youth Council serves as a platform for young people to contribute directly to global health strategies, policy discussions, and implementation frameworks.

The Council is designed to:

• Amplify youth perspectives in global health decision-making
• Support youth-led advocacy and innovation in health systems
• Strengthen collaboration between WHO and youth organizations
• Promote inclusive, equitable health policies
• Encourage cross-sector engagement in health-related challenges

WHO describes the Council as a dynamic mechanism for integrating youth perspectives into global health governance and improving responsiveness to emerging health challenges.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: Who Can Apply?

The call is open to a diverse range of organizations working with or representing young people.

Eligible applicants include:

• Youth-led organizations
• Youth-focused civil society organizations
• International youth networks
• Organizations operating in both health and non-health sectors

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the revised Terms of Reference issued by WHO.

The organization emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and representation across regions, sectors, and thematic areas as key selection criteria.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: Application Process and Requirements

Organizations interested in joining the WHO Youth Council must complete a structured application process.

The application steps include:

• Submission of an online WHO Youth Council application form
• Completion of a mandatory Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form
• Review based on eligibility, diversity, motivation, and organizational experience

Applications will be assessed to ensure balanced representation and alignment with WHO’s youth engagement priorities.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: Key Dates and Timeline

The WHO has published the following timeline for the 2026–2028 Youth Council selection process:

• Application deadline: 30 June 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Selection process: July–September 2026 (review period)
• First in-person meeting: October 2026

Selected organizations will participate in the inaugural meeting, which will mark the beginning of the new Youth Council term.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: Role of the WHO Youth Council

The Youth Council plays a central role in linking youth organizations with global health decision-making processes.

Its responsibilities include:

• Advising WHO on youth-related health priorities
• Supporting the development of inclusive health policies
• Facilitating youth engagement in global health initiatives
• Contributing to innovation in health systems strengthening
• Enhancing communication between youth groups and WHO structures

Members of the Youth Council also gain access to the WHO Civil Society Commission, further expanding opportunities for engagement in global health governance.

Integration with WHO Civil Society Engagement

Selected Youth Council members will automatically join the World Health Organization Civil Society Commission, a broader platform designed to facilitate structured engagement between WHO and civil society organizations.

Applicants who are not already members of the Commission are required to apply separately before participating in the Youth Council process.

This integration is intended to strengthen coordination between youth organizations and broader civil society networks working on global health issues.

Strategic Importance of Youth Engagement

WHO emphasizes that young people play a critical role in shaping responses to global health challenges, including pandemics, mental health, non-communicable diseases, and health equity.

The Youth Council is part of WHO’s broader strategy to:

• Enhance participatory governance in global health
• Strengthen health systems through inclusive policymaking
• Promote innovation led by young people
• Improve responsiveness to emerging global health threats

By engaging youth organizations directly, WHO aims to ensure that global health policies reflect the needs and perspectives of younger generations.

WHO 2026–2028 Youth Council to Strengthen Global Youth Participation in Health Policy: How to Apply

Interested organizations are encouraged to access official WHO documentation and submit applications through designated online platforms.

Applicants must ensure they:

• Review the Terms of Reference carefully
• Complete all required forms accurately
• Provide clear evidence of youth engagement and impact
• Demonstrate alignment with WHO youth engagement objectives

Additional reference materials, including the application form and disclosure documents, are available through WHO’s official channels.

About the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It works with governments, civil society, and partners to coordinate global health responses, strengthen health systems, and promote health equity worldwide.

Through initiatives such as the Youth Council, WHO seeks to expand inclusive participation and ensure that young people have a meaningful role in shaping the future of global health governance.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

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