WHO Youth Council 2026–2028: Global Call for Youth Organizations to Shape International Health Policy

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched a global call for expressions of interest for the third term of the WHO Youth Council (2026–2028). This exciting opportunity invites youth-led and youth-focused organizations from around the world to play a direct role in influencing global health discussions, policies, and strategies.

As one of WHO’s flagship youth engagement platforms, the WHO Youth Council provides an avenue for young people and youth organizations to contribute meaningfully to international health governance. Through advocacy, collaboration, innovation, and policy engagement, selected organizations will help strengthen youth participation in shaping healthier and more resilient communities worldwide.

Organizations interested in becoming part of this influential network are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and carefully review all eligibility requirements.

About the WHO Youth Council

The WHO Youth Council was established to strengthen youth engagement within the World Health Organization by creating a structured platform through which young people can contribute to health-related decision-making processes.

The Council serves multiple purposes, including:

• Amplifying youth voices in global health discussions
• Providing insights from young people on emerging health challenges
• Supporting WHO’s health promotion and advocacy initiatives
• Encouraging innovative youth-led solutions to public health issues
• Strengthening collaboration between youth organizations and international health stakeholders
• Promoting youth participation in health systems and policy development

The Council reflects WHO’s commitment to ensuring that young people are not merely beneficiaries of health policies but active contributors to the design and implementation of solutions that affect their lives and communities.

Why the WHO Youth Council Matters

Young people represent a significant proportion of the global population and are increasingly recognized as critical stakeholders in addressing public health challenges.

Through the WHO Youth Council, participating organizations can:

Influence Global Health Policies

Council members have opportunities to provide perspectives and recommendations that inform WHO strategies and initiatives.

Elevate Youth Priorities

Organizations can ensure that issues affecting young people are represented in international health conversations.

Strengthen Global Networks

Members gain access to a diverse network of youth organizations, health advocates, experts, and policymakers from around the world.

Promote Youth Leadership

The Council provides a platform for organizations to demonstrate leadership and advocate for meaningful youth participation in health governance.

Contribute Innovative Solutions

Organizations can share innovative approaches and experiences that support stronger and more inclusive health systems.

Who Is WHO Looking For?

WHO is seeking a diverse and representative group of organizations from across the globe.

Eligible organizations include:

1. Youth-Led Organizations

Organizations where young people hold leadership positions and drive decision-making processes.

2. Youth-Focused Organizations

Organizations that primarily work to support, empower, or advocate for young people.

3. Youth Chapters of Larger Organizations

Youth branches or youth wings operating within larger national or international organizations.

WHO has also indicated its interest in selecting a balanced mix of organizations from both:

• Health-related sectors
• Non-health sectors

This multidisciplinary approach ensures diverse perspectives and strengthens the Council’s ability to address complex public health challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for membership, organizations must satisfy all requirements outlined in the revised WHO Youth Council Terms of Reference.

Key eligibility expectations include:

• Active engagement at the international level
• Demonstrated commitment to youth engagement and participation
• Alignment with WHO values and objectives
• Capacity to contribute meaningfully to Council activities
• Compliance with WHO membership requirements

Applicants are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the Terms of Reference before submitting their application.

WHO Civil Society Commission Requirement

An important requirement for participation in the WHO Youth Council is membership in the WHO Civil Society Commission.

WHO has announced that all Youth Council members will also be expected to participate in the WHO Civil Society Commission.

Organizations that are not already members must:

1. Submit an application to join the WHO Civil Society Commission.
2. Complete this step before submitting their WHO Youth Council expression of interest.

WHO has clarified that applications to the Youth Council can still be considered while the organization’s Civil Society Commission application is under review.

This requirement aims to strengthen collaboration between youth organizations and broader civil society stakeholders engaged in global health initiatives.

Application Process

Organizations wishing to apply must complete all required application components.

Step 1: Complete the WHO Youth Council Application Form

Applicants must fill out the official online application form and provide all requested information.

Step 2: Submit the Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form

In addition to the application form, organizations must complete and submit the Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form.

Step 3: Ensure Compliance with Eligibility Requirements

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Compliance with eligibility criteria
• Organizational experience and track record
• Motivation for joining the Council
• Proposed plans and contributions
• Diversity and representation considerations

Organizations should provide clear and compelling information demonstrating how they can contribute to the Council’s mission and objectives.

APPLY HERE

Selection Criteria

WHO will assess applications using several factors, including:

Organizational Relevance

The organization’s work and activities should align with youth engagement and meaningful participation.

Experience

Applicants should demonstrate relevant experience in advocacy, leadership, public health, youth development, community engagement, or related areas.

Motivation

Organizations should clearly explain why they wish to join the Council and how they plan to contribute.

Diversity

WHO seeks broad geographic, thematic, and organizational representation to ensure that multiple perspectives are reflected within the Council.

Important Dates

Application Deadline

30 June 2026 at 23:59 CEST

Organizations are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical challenges.

First In-Person Meeting

October 2026

Selected organizations will participate in the Council’s first in-person meeting, marking the beginning of the 2026–2028 term.

Documents Applicants Must Review

Before applying, organizations should carefully read and complete the following documents:

1. WHO Youth Council Terms of Reference
2. Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form

Reviewing these materials is essential for understanding the Council’s responsibilities, expectations, and operational framework.

Benefits of Joining the WHO Youth Council

Participation in the WHO Youth Council offers several valuable advantages:

• Opportunity to engage directly with WHO
• Influence international health policy discussions
• Amplify youth voices at the global level
• Collaborate with youth organizations worldwide
• Strengthen advocacy and leadership capacity
• Expand international partnerships and networks
• Contribute to global public health initiatives
• Participate in high-level dialogues and consultations
• Increase organizational visibility within the global health ecosystem
• Support meaningful youth participation in health systems strengthening

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Organizations seeking selection should consider the following strategies:

Demonstrate Impact

Highlight measurable achievements and successful initiatives led by your organization.

Showcase Youth Leadership

Clearly explain how young people participate in leadership and decision-making processes.

Emphasize Global Engagement

Illustrate international partnerships, collaborations, or activities that demonstrate global reach.

Present Clear Goals

Explain how your organization intends to contribute to the Council’s work during the 2026–2028 term.

Align with WHO Priorities

Demonstrate a commitment to health equity, inclusion, youth participation, and sustainable development.

Interested organizations are required to complete the online WHO Youth Council Application Form.

Click HERE to learn more about the WHO Youth Council 2026–2028.

Conclusion

The WHO Youth Council 2026–2028 presents an exceptional opportunity for youth-led and youth-focused organizations to engage directly with one of the world’s most influential health institutions. Through this platform, organizations can help shape health policies, advocate for youth priorities, contribute innovative ideas, and strengthen youth participation in global health governance.

Organizations from around the world that are passionate about advancing youth engagement and improving public health outcomes should take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the 30 June 2026 deadline. Participation in the WHO Youth Council offers not only global visibility and networking opportunities but also a meaningful chance to influence the future of international health policy and practice.

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