Youth Side Program 2026: A Gateway for Young Global Health Advocates
The Youth Side Program 2026 in Berlin, Germany, offers a significant opportunity for young leaders passionate about global health. This program runs alongside the World Health Summit (WHS) 2026, providing a unique platform for advocacy training, expert engagement, and international networking. Organized by the Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) under the German Medical Students’ Association (bvmd), it aims to empower the next generation of health advocates and changemakers. Since its start in 2022, the program has already trained over 100 young advocates from more than 20 countries, building a strong network focused on a more equitable global health landscape.
Understanding the Youth Side Program
The Youth Side Program is a youth-driven initiative designed to ensure young people have a voice in global health discussions. It takes place concurrently with the World Health Summit, a major international forum for global health. The summit brings together a diverse group of attendees, including policymakers, health professionals, researchers, civil society leaders, international organizations, academic institutions, and youth advocates. The Youth Side Program supports these high-level discussions by preparing participants with the necessary skills, confidence, and connections to engage effectively in global health policy. The program emphasizes youth engagement, building advocacy skills, public health education, communication, leadership development, international collaboration, and promoting equity and inclusion in healthcare systems.
The Importance of Youth in Global Health
Young people are increasingly central to discussions about critical health issues such as health equity, pandemic preparedness, mental health, climate and health, universal health coverage, health system resilience, and health policy reform. Despite this, many young advocates face challenges in participating meaningfully in international policymaking. The Youth Side Program aims to overcome these barriers by providing essential advocacy tools, strengthening youth-led global health networks, increasing the visibility of young people at major international events, fostering intergenerational dialogue, and creating pathways for sustained leadership in global health. The program acknowledges that building sustainable health systems depends on the diverse voices, ideas, and leadership of young individuals from various backgrounds and regions.
Program Details: Dates and Location
The Youth Side Program 2026 will be held in Berlin, Germany. The program is structured in two parts:
Youth Pre-World Health Summit Training
- Dates: October 9-10, 2026
- Schedule: Participants will attend intensive advocacy and training sessions starting at 9:00 AM each day.
World Health Summit 2026 Participation
- Dates: October 11-13, 2026
- Schedule: Following the training, participants will join the main World Health Summit activities, with sessions running until approximately 10:00 PM daily.
Full attendance throughout the entire program is required for all selected participants.
Benefits for Participants
Selected participants will receive a valuable learning and networking experience in global health. Key benefits include:
Access to the World Health Summit 2026
Participants gain official entry to the World Health Summit, recognized as one of the world’s most influential global health conferences. This provides direct exposure to high-level discussions involving health ministers, WHO representatives, public health experts, researchers, NGOs, youth leaders, and international development organizations.
Advocacy Training and Skill Development
The program includes focused training sessions designed to build advocacy skills. Topics covered may include an introduction to global health, youth engagement strategies, health advocacy techniques, leadership development, effective communication, public speaking, policy engagement, and networking. These sessions are led by experienced youth advocates, public health professionals, researchers, academics, and global health experts.
International Networking Opportunities
Participants will have the chance to connect with a diverse group of individuals, including youth advocates from various countries, global health professionals, policymakers, researchers, and international organizations. These connections can lead to future collaborations, projects, and leadership opportunities.
Enhanced Visibility and Representation
By participating, individuals become part of a growing international network of youth advocates working to influence global health systems and policy. The program actively promotes youth representation, inclusion, diverse perspectives, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Leadership Growth
The Youth Side Program helps participants build confidence, leadership capacity, strategic thinking, policy engagement skills, and advocacy techniques. These skills are highly beneficial for careers in public health, medicine, international development, NGOs, research, health policy, and community advocacy.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
The program is open to young individuals with a strong interest in global health. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be 27 years old or younger (born after October 13, 1998).
- Demonstrate a significant interest in public health and global health.
- Be able to attend the full program in Berlin.
- Commit to active participation in all scheduled sessions.
The organizers welcome applications from individuals with diverse national backgrounds, academic fields, professional experiences, and those involved in youth-led organizations, community initiatives, or advocacy networks. Ideal candidates often include medical and public health students, young researchers, youth advocates, NGO volunteers, community organizers, early-career health professionals, and students interested in international development or health equity. Prior experience in advocacy, community engagement, public health campaigns, youth organizing, or leadership initiatives can be advantageous.
Important Note on Application Authenticity
The program organizers stress the importance of genuine personal motivation and reasoning in applications. AI-generated responses are unlikely to be highly rated, and selected candidates may be interviewed. The review process may involve AI-recognition software. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to write authentically, share personal experiences, demonstrate real passion for global health, and provide thoughtful, original responses.
Application Deadline and Process
The application deadline for the Youth Side Program 2026 is June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST. Late applications may not be considered, so early submission is advised.
To apply, candidates must complete the Official Online Application Form. The form requires information related to motivation, leadership experience, interest in global health, advocacy work, community engagement, and availability for the full program.
Why Apply for the Youth Side Program?
The Youth Side Program 2026 offers more than just conference attendance. It provides global exposure, leadership development, opportunities for policy engagement, specialized advocacy training, and valuable international networking. For young individuals committed to shaping the future of health systems and contributing to international health policy, this program offers a powerful platform for learning and making a real impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Side Program 2026?
It’s a program in Berlin that runs alongside the World Health Summit, offering advocacy training and networking for young people interested in global health.
When and where is the Youth Side Program 2026 held?
The program takes place in Berlin, Germany, with pre-summit training on October 9-10, 2026, and participation in the World Health Summit from October 11-13, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply for the Youth Side Program?
Applicants must be 27 years old or younger, show a strong interest in public health and global health, and be able to attend the entire program in Berlin.
What are the benefits of attending the Youth Side Program?
Benefits include access to the World Health Summit, advocacy skill development, international networking opportunities, and enhanced leadership capacity.
