Youth Calls for a Global Pandemic Agreement at GMWHO Event

At the Global Model World Health Organization (GMWHO) event, 350 youth delegates from 52 countries gathered in Geneva to demand immediate action on a global Pandemic Agreement to safeguard future generations against health crises. Hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), the event provided young leaders with hands-on experience in global health governance.

Participants engaged in a simulation of the World Health Assembly, collaborating on resolutions that addressed pressing health challenges, including climate change, mental health, antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis (TB), and polio eradication. A key outcome of this simulation was a declaration urging WHO member states to finalize and adopt a Pandemic Agreement by the end of the year. “Only through coordinated action can we protect the lives, well-being, and futures of our generation,” reads the declaration, highlighting the urgent need for a robust pandemic preparedness framework.

The proposed Pandemic Agreement aims to enhance global preparedness and response to future pandemics, which are increasingly anticipated due to rapid climate change. This framework seeks to establish coordinated strategies among countries to ensure equitable access to medical resources, improve surveillance systems for early outbreak detection, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure worldwide. By fostering collaboration on funding, research, and the sharing of critical information, the Pandemic Agreement aims to mitigate the impact of health crises on public health and economies, ultimately safeguarding future generations, as reported by MBN. 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO, praised the delegates for their commitment to global health, underscoring the impact of youth voices in shaping effective health solutions. “This generation is instrumental in creating a safer, fairer, and healthier world,” he remarked, recognizing their crucial role in responding to global health crises.

Savannah Jamora, Conference Director-General, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of youth in health policy. “Young people are more than just the future of global health; they are essential partners in shaping its present,” she stated. “By involving youth in policy decisions, we tap into their lived experiences, unique perspectives, and innovative ideas, ensuring policies are effective, relevant, and responsive to future needs.”

Research from the OECD indicates that youth participation in policymaking enhances ownership of policies, which is crucial for their success. When young people are actively engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, they develop a sense of investment in their outcomes, leading to greater adherence and support for implementation.