Apply now!
2025 Canadian Youth Delegate

Call for applications for the 2025 Canadian Youth Delegate to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) and 62nd Pan American Health Organization Directing Council (PAHO-DC)
 
Background Information​

Each year, the Canadian Delegation (CANDEL) to the World Health Assembly (WHA) and Pan American Health Organization Directing Council (PAHO-DC) is joined by a Canadian Youth Delegate (CYD) to ensure that the vision and voices of Canadian youth are accurately reflected in Canada’s positions and priorities.

 

The 78th WHA will take place in May 2025. This meeting is one of the largest health policy events, and brings together health ministers and health representatives from the 194 World Health Organization (WHO) Member States from around the world. Regionally, the 62nd PAHO DC will take place in September 2025. This event will bring together all 35 countries in the Americas Region.

 

The overall purpose of the CYD is to offer a unique youth perspective on key health issues on the meeting agendas, which could inform the development of Canada’s positions and engagement during these prestigious health events.

The Office of International Affairs, Public Health Agency of Canada is offering the opportunity for one Canadian youth to attend the WHA and PAHO DC as part of the CANDEL.

 

The delegate will be selected by an External Reviewers Committee (ERC) composed of youth representatives from youth organizations, youth working in global or public health, and past youth delegates.

​

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen and hold a valid Canadian passport;

• Be between 18 and 30 years of age (at the time of applying);

• Be able to physically attend all preparatory meetings and the entirety of the WHA and PAHO DC;

• Be currently a student or a young professional in the field of health sciences, clinical care, or global/public health.

​​

Application requirements

To apply, your application must include:

• A completed online application form (linked below)

• Your most up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) (sent through the online application form);

• A recommendation letter (1 page max) from professional (sent through the online application form);

• A recommendation letter (1 page max) from peer (sent through the online application form) 

​

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Completeness of application

• Past experience in global health;

• Involvement in a global health related student network or university program;

• Understanding of global health policy and the nature of the work at the WHA and PAHO DC;

• Quality of online application form, CV, and recommendation letters.

​

Application deadline

The application deadline is Sunday, November 3, 2024, 11:59 ET. [NOW CLOSED]

​

Please note that any application received after the deadline, or any incomplete application, will not be considered.

 

Additional information

Financial support will be available for the successful candidate. Participants may need to pay costs upfront however all costs for accommodations and a per diem will be reimbursed after the participation at the WHA and PAHO DC. Flights will be arranged in advance by OIA/PHAC.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the technical and logistical aspects of the CYD role, please contact youthdelegate.canada@gmail.com.

 

The successful candidate may also be given the opportunity to participate in other Global Health policymaking events as members of the CANDEL during the year to follow.

Thank you for considering participating in the WHA and PAHO DC as a member of the Canadian Delegation!