Every year in Berlin, the World Health Summit (WHS) is held to bring together key stakeholders in Global Health to engage in discussions, share best practices, and devise solutions to some of the pressing challenges the world is facing. These discussions are facilitated through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and global health labs.
As the world faces numerous challenges, and a 3-day conference would certainly not be enough time to make a dent in these issues, a theme is chosen annually to guide the summit’s direction. This year, the theme is “Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World”.
What does this statement mean to you as a reader?
Previous themes have included:
- Building Trust for a Healthier World (2024)
- A Defining Year for Global Health Action (2023)
You may be wondering, who are the “key stakeholders” that attend the WHS? Some of the key stakeholders include individuals from Academia, the Private Sector, the government (e.g., Ministers of Health), and youth representatives.
When it comes to discussions about Global Health, there is often an inaccurate representation of the globe; representation from the global North is usually greater than representation from the global South. One of the ways the World Health Summit attempts to ensure voices from underrepresented states are heard is through their Stipend program, covering selected participants’ travel and accommodation costs.
Do you think more needs to be done?
This year, 14 members of Students for Global Health have been given the opportunity to attend the World Health Summit through sponsorship from STOPAIDS, who will be particularly interested in conversations around Digital Health at WHS.
Youth involvement in these spaces is crucial as youth have lived experiences, ideas, and visions on what they believe the world could look like. Youth voices need to be considered as significant as after all, the baton will ultimately pass to us.
How can you get involved?
- Attend sessions virtually here.
- Follow Students for Global Health social media accounts for content about the WHS (Instagram: @wearestudentsforglobalhealth) (TikTok: @sfgh.uk)
- Have a read of the Digital Health Rights Project (DHRP) by STOPAIDS and other contributors to understand challenges young communities around the world are facing due to the increased use of Digital Health: Report: Paying the Costs of Connection – Digital Health & Rights Project
- Explore some of the themes and topics that will be discussed at the WHS: WHS 2025 Program
Sources:
Students for Global Health 