GPHW2023: Engaging Young Professionals in Global Governance: Current State of Affairs and Steps Forward for the Global Public Health Workforce of Tomorrow

Theme: Preparing Public Health Professionals & Associations for the New Challenges

Date and Time: 03 April 2023 | 19:00 – 20:00 (CEST)

Event Description: Global public health is facing an unprecedented juncture of challenges: the climate crisis, looming pandemic threats, a worrying surge in antimicrobial resistance, the rapid spread of digital technologies in health, wars and the enormous widening of inequities both within and between countries. While already having a considerable impact worldwide, these issues will deeply affect the life of future generations, and the work of future health professionals. However, the engagement of young professionals in processes of global governance that will impact their lives and work remains sparse.

According to a recent report by OECD participation of youth in the policy cycle is limited: in 2019, staff aged 18-34 represented only 26% of the workforce in state institutions devoted to youth affairs. In public health specifically, many barriers still exist in the integration of young professionals in international organisations and the public health workforce. Recent research in this field has illustrated how chances to gain experience in public health before applying for full-time jobs are limited and often imply unrealistic expectations in terms of previous work experience; that the engagement policies of organisations suffer from a lack of transparency and are often hierarchical and top-down; and that mentorship programs are frequently absent or underdeveloped. These issues of inaccessibility, tokenism and lack of mentorship may result in limiting young professionals’ contributions to global governance to youth-led organisations.

During this workshop, with the help of international young speakers, we will discuss the following questions: What is the current state of affairs regarding engagement of young professionals in global governance? Which steps forward are needed to foster young professionals’ participation in global governance processes?

Event Type: Workshop/Online Training

Event Format: Virtual

Language(s): English

Organiser(s): European Network of Medical Residents in Public Health & WFPHA’s Students and Young Professionals Working Group

How to Attend In-person: N/A

How to Attend Virtually: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89051015823?pwd=dUdiWFZvaVVaOXdad3VEMmlib3Bwdz09 

Registration: N/A