Inspiring minds, changing lives. Celebrating a decade of transformation and impact in global health equity
Coming Soon
In Kigali, Rwanda
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Background
Global Health Focus (GHF) is an international initiative aimed at developing critical thinkers, leaders, researchers, and innovators through our emerging leaders’ program in global health. We focus on research capacity building, and the creation of knowledge for translation into global health policy and practice. Since our inception in 2015, we have built a robust network of young leaders and researchers across Africa and Asia, collaborating with international organizations, spearheading global health initiatives, and publishing in top journals through the mentorship we provide.
Our journey began in 2015 with a global health certificate course in Kigali, at the University of Rwanda, targeting students and early career professionals from East and Central Africa. This initiative has grown into the highly successful Global Health Emerging Leaders Programme (GHELP), offering courses across 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Over 5,000 individuals have directly and indirectly benefited from these programs.
To celebrate these young-people led global initiative and to mark our 10th anniversary of impact, we shall be hosting a one-day Global Health Youth Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. This event will serve as a platform to bring together our alumni, young healthcare leaders and distinguished partners and stakeholders in the global health sector, to deliberate on pressing health issues and propose innovative strategies to address global health inequities.
Thematic Overview
The conference is themed “The Role of Young People in Advancing Global Health Outcomes: Education, Research, and Leadership”. It will spotlight the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of global health, especially in a post-pandemic world where innovation and resilience are crucial.
Globally, young people aged 15-24 represent nearly 1.2 billion individuals, or 16% of the world’s population, and their contributions to healthcare innovation and leadership are increasingly recognized. Young leaders are at the forefront of educational initiatives, conducting transformative research, leading impactful projects, and developing innovative healthcare solutions. Over the past decade, youth-led initiatives have played a significant role in driving forward the global health agenda. For instance, youth involvement in public health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic helped reach underserved communities, while others contributed innovatively to mitigating the spread and impact of the virus. Young people, through mentorship provided by GHF, made significant contributions to advancing the COVID-19 evidence base across Africa.
The discussions will centre on how empowering and supporting young leaders can unlock their potential to drive advancements in global health. Conversations will be centred on the role of leadership development, education, research and innovative thinking acts in synergy to equip the youth and unlock their potentials. By providing tools to harness their energy, creativity, and vision, they will be equipped to address pressing global challenges such as health inequities, climate change, and access to care. This is crucial for us achieving a healthier and more equitable world.
Additionally, the conference will demonstrate how structured mentorship, capacity-building programs, and cross-sectoral collaboration can support young people to become influential global health leaders and agents of change.
Organization and Structure
The one-day conference will feature keynote addresses by global health leaders, highlighting youth-driven contributions to global health. A plenary session will bring together young global health leaders and established professionals to explore the intersection of leadership, education, and research. Parallel sessions will showcase the achievements of young leaders who have significantly advanced global health outcomes. The event will culminate in a gala marking the launch of the GHF 10th Anniversary Book, which recognizes the accomplishments of 100 young leaders from GHF for their notable contributions to global health.
A Call for Proposals will be announced for participation in the parallel sessions. The Organising Committee will screen and shortlist all submissions. Successful submissions will be those that demonstrate how young people have effectively engaged in global health leadership, education, research, and innovation, with a measurable impact on people and systems.
Relevant youth-led international organizations and global health institutions such as Global Health Corps (GHC), Restless Development, Y+ Global, Rwanda Youth Partnership for Health (RYPH), Youth Alliance for Health Promotion (YAHP), Amref Health Africa, Jhpiego, WHO, Partners In Health (PIH), UNAIDS, and the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS will be invited to contribute to parallel sessions.
The proposed venue for the conference is the Park Inn by Radisson in Kigali, Rwanda, scheduled for July 25, 2025.
Proposed Schedule
The first keynote address, “Empowering Youth for Global Health Equity,” will spotlight the transformative role of youth in advancing global health equity. It will emphasize how empowering young leaders can drive innovative solutions and create impactful change, addressing pressing health disparities and fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape worldwide. A case study will be presented, drawing from a decade of GHF’s work with young leaders to advance global health leadership, education, research, and innovation.
The plenary session, "Transforming Education and Research for Global Health Equity," will explore how innovative educational approaches and cutting-edge research can drive progress towards global health equity. It will feature discussions on emerging trends, effective strategies, and collaborative efforts that are reshaping the landscape of global health education and research, aiming to address health disparities and promote sustainable solutions worldwide.
The closing keynote address, “Harnessing the Vision and Energy of Young People for Leadership and Innovation in Global Health” will explore how harnessing the vision and energy of young people in leadership and innovation can drive transformative global health outcomes. By empowering the next generation of leaders to take on pivotal roles and introduce groundbreaking ideas, we can address critical health challenges, accelerate progress towards health equity, and create sustainable solutions that impact communities worldwide.
Key Audiences
The conference will target approximately 400 participants, including GHF alumni, young leaders in community, national, and global health initiatives, early to mid-career global health professionals such as researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Additionally, stakeholders from health, education, and development sectors, universities, and research institutions focused on health and development, as well as innovators, will be invited. We also anticipate the participation of high-level policymakers and opinion leaders from various countries and sectors, along with national and international NGOs.
Expected Outcomes
The conference will spotlight the pivotal role young people play in addressing global health challenges, recognizing their contributions to the field. It will explore innovative solutions to health inequities, particularly in underserved regions, and focus on developing actionable strategies to empower young leaders in driving global health advancements. The event will foster cross-sector collaboration by promoting partnerships between youth, global health professionals, and key stakeholders to enhance health equity. Additionally, it will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking, allowing participants to exchange ideas, share expertise, and build long-term collaborations.
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General Visa Policy
African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie Members
East African Community (EAC) Members
90-Day Free Visa Countries
For Other Nationalities
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Conclusion
The Global Health Youth Conference in Rwanda will celebrate the contributions of young leaders in advancing global health outcomes while providing a platform for them to share their innovative solutions, collaborate with key stakeholders, and drive the future of global health. Through this event, GHF will continue to foster the development of young leaders, ensuring that their energy, creativity, and commitment are harnessed for the betterment of global healthcare.
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