News and events archive

Online seminar – Future global health functions and the role of WHO

NewsOn 23rd January 2026, The Partnership for International Politics and Diplomacy for Health hosted an interactive seminar on future global functions for health and the role of World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting convened more than 70 former fellows, faculty members and institutional partners from the Partnership’s Executive Program.

Health Diplomacy Institutional Network at PMAC 2026

NewsConnected Futures: Equity, Climate, and Health – How to navigate and use diplomacy in a complex political reality
Organised by the International Health Policy Program (IHPP) Foundation in collaboration with the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network, this Prince Mahidol Award (PMAC) 2026 side meeting discussed the alignment of climate change, health, equity, and innovation across governance and multilateral systems.

Global Health Diplomacy Workshop 2025, Japan

NewsGlobal Health Diplomacy Workshop 2025 was convened from 29 to 30 November 2025 at the Institute for Global Health Policy Research (iGHP), Japan Institute for Health Security. The workshop is conducted as part of a research grant from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, aimed at developing an effective global health diplomacy training program.

Special Session: Health Diplomacy in a Changing World

NewsOn the sidelines of the UHC High-Level Forum 2025, the Institute for Global Health Policy Research (iGHP), Japan, hosted a Special Session titled “Health Diplomacy in a Changing World”. The session aimed to discuss the role, challenges, and direction of global health diplomacy amid the rapidly changing global health landscape.

Insights on global health reform discussions, trends and perspectives: January 2026

NewsThe second in our series of insights papers on global health reform discussions, trends and perspectives has now been published.

Transforming the Global Health Ecosystem

NewsA recent report by Muhammad Ali Pate, Donald Kaberuka and Peter Piot puts forward concrete suggestions for advancing global health reform, setting an important precedent: the reform discussions must now centre on specific, action-oriented proposals.

Health Diplomacy Side Meeting at PMAC 2026

NewsJoin us in Bangkok for a deep dive into the intersection of climate change, health, and demographic transitions at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2026. With the world facing complex political realities, this session explores how we can use diplomacy to drive meaningful change.

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Jan 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM
𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Lotus Suite 2, 22nd Floor, Centara Grand, Bangkok

Call for Nominations: 3rd International Politics and Diplomacy for Health Executive Program

NewsThe program is organised by the Partnership for International Politics and Diplomacy for Health – a collaboration between the Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institutet. The aim is to equip emerging generations of health leaders with health diplomacy skills; to build a network and community of practice of organisations and individuals committed to the improvement of health; and generate insights about the evolving nature of politics and diplomacy for health through research.

Registrations Open: Strengthening Capacity in Global Health Diplomacy

NewsStrengthening Capacity in Global Health Diplomacy is an in-person training program offered over a 12-month period for global health diplomats, practitioners and other professionals working and/or interested in global health. The program is offered by the International Geneva Global Health Platform with support from the Institute of Philanthropy and is taught by faculty from the Geneva Graduate Institute and other leading subject matter experts.

Lancet Series Research Consortium Convenes in Berlin

NewsIn October, representatives from the four research groups working on the Lancet Series on Diplomacy for Health gathered in Berlin for a two-day in-person workshop.
With the Series papers nearing submission, team members from across the globe, including Singapore, Lebanon, Japan, Guinea-Bissau, Sweden, China, India and Belgium, met to present their drafts, exchange feedback and plan the next steps.

Public Health Reviews - Call For Papers

NewsThe joint International Journal of Public Health (IJPH) and Public Health Reviews (PHR) Special Issue aims to advance the field of Public Health Diplomacy by calling for interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research from across the globe. PHR invites high-quality Reviews (all types) and Policy Briefs. IJPH invites Original Articles.

Health Diplomacy Breakfast Discussion in Berlin

NewsOn the sidelines of this year’s World Health Summit in Berlin, the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network hosted an interactive Breakfast Meeting to explore the role of health diplomacy in today’s evolving global health ecosystem, highlighting opportunities for research and training in the field.

Vaccines for all: Health, security, growth

NewsOn October 1, Karolinska Institutet and the Center for Resilient Health at the Stockholm School of Economics co-hosted a high-level discussion on the global role of vaccines in health, security, and economic growth. The event took place at Forskaren in Stockholm, a hub for collaboration between healthcare, academia, research, and business, and brought together around 70 participants from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector.

Webinar - The future of powers and financing for health

NewsThe Partnership for International Politics and Diplomacy for Health hosted a webinar on 30th September 2025 reflecting on the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, and the subsequent launch of The Accra Reset during the 80th United Nations General Assembly.

The Summit served as a pivotal step towards domestic health financing, highlighting the current shifts in global health architecture, while The Accra Reset situated the ongoing health reforms within a broader development agenda.

Insights from WHS Regional Meeting 2025 Panel Published in Geneva Health Files

NewsA new essay titled “Beyond Crisis: Strengthening Global Health Through Diplomacy” has been published in Geneva Health Files. The piece builds on discussions from a panel hosted earlier this year by the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network at the World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting in Delhi.

First Executive Course in Global Health Diplomacy in Bissau - Registrations Open!

NewsThe First Edition of the Executive Course in Global Health Diplomacy will take place from 19-26 October 2025 in Bissau, organized by the Department of Public Health at Universidade Católica da Guiné-Bissau, in collaboration with IGHD, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), and the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network.

Global Health Diplomacy & Security Course to Be Held in Malta, November 2025

NewsParticipate in the Global Health Diplomacy & Security Course, an intensive and interactive program designed for early- to mid-career professionals working in health, policy, international relations, and related fields. The course will take place in Malta in November 2025, bringing together recognized experts from leading institutions in global health, diplomacy, and policy.

Launch of PH DIPLO: A New Newsletter on Public Health Diplomacy

NewsThe Public Health Diplomacy Lab at the University of Memphis School of Public Health has launched a newsletter “PH DIPLO” which aims to bring together the latest updates on public health diplomacy and presents perspectives and insights across different stakeholders, including academicians, members of the civic society, non-governmental organizations, industry partners and policymakers.

PH DIPLO is an effort to sensitize individuals about the pivotal role public health diplomacy can play to address global health challenges in a collective manner through the understanding of broad stakeholder engagement, consensus building, negotiations, and outcomes.

Applications OPEN: Dalla Lana School of Public Health 2026 Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy

NewsThe Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy is the first-of-its-kind in Canada. Delivered in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs for the Health Portfolio, Government of Canada, and designed for professionals working in health or health-related sectors, this executive training course explores a wide range of global health diplomacy issues, with an emphasis on current affairs and urgent global health challenges, while offering a uniquely Canadian approach.

Global Health Diplomacy Executive Training Held at Peking University in July 2025

NewsTo address increasingly complex global public health challenges and strengthen China’s core capacity in global health governance, the “Global Health Diplomacy Executive Training Course” was successfully held from July 14 to 18, 2025, co-hosted by the Institute for Global Health, Peking University (PKU) and the Department of Global Health, PKU School of Public Health.

New International Project Health Bridge Unites Universities of Sweden, Ukraine, and Latvia to Advance Health Diplomacy

NewsThe newly launched Health Bridge project brings together leading universities from three countries – Karolinska Institutet (Sweden), Bogomolets National Medical University (Ukraine), and the University of Latvia – with the mission of strengthening health diplomacy across the Baltic and Eastern European region. The initiative has been awarded funding by the Swedish Institute, following a highly competitive call in which only 32 proposals were selected for support.

Health diplomacy in an evolving global health landscape with Dr Anders Nördstrom

NewsIn this episode of Complicating the Narrative, Salma Abdalla and Anders Nördstrom discuss health diplomacy and global health leadership, highlighting the need for partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration. They explore the current global landscape and reflect on the progress that has been made since the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals. Progress has been made, though not at the pace we had hoped for.

Health Diplomacy Futures: Capacity Building in the Global South

NewsDAKSHIN - Global South Centre of Excellence, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in collaboration with NIMS Institute of Public Health and Governance, NIMS University is organizing a one-day multi-stakeholder convening on “Health Diplomacy Futures: Capacity Building in the Global South”

📅Date: 30th September 2025
🏛️ Venue: India Habitat Centre

Croatia Hosts First-Ever Health Diplomacy Course at the University of Split

NewsThe University of Split successfully hosted Croatia’s first Health Diplomacy course, a joint effort by its Faculty of Economics and School of Medicine. The course is part of the postgraduate specialist program in the Management of Health Organizations.

2025 Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy Concludes at Dalla Lana

NewsThe Dalla Lana School of Public Health, a member of the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network, recently concluded its 2025 Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy.

Bridging Health and Politics: Fellows Gather in Sweden for the Executive Program

NewsIn June 2025, 25 senior professionals from 21 countries convened at Kämpasten, near Sigtuna, Sweden, for the in-person masterclass of the Executive Programme in International Politics and Diplomacy for Health. Jointly organized by Karolinska Institutet and the Stockholm School of Economics, the programme is designed to equip emerging health leaders with the tools to navigate global and regional political settings of importance for health.

WHA78 Side Event | Pandemic Readiness in an Uncertain World

NewsOn 20 May, The Independent Panel and the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute co-hosted a public event focusing on the political dimensions of Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

Guidance Document on Health Diplomacy Training Framework and Key Competencies

NewsThrough extensive consultations with institutions across the World – and drawing on established expertise – the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network has identified five key competencies that are fundamental for effective performance in health diplomacy worldwide. A Guidance Document has now been published which will support institutions when they establish new programs focusing on health diplomacy.

Health Diplomacy in Fostering Regional Cooperation: From Access to Sustainable Solutions in health

NewsThe Health Diplomacy Alliance hosted a panel at the WHS Regional Meeting 2025. Speakers included Syed Ahmed from TechInvention Lifecare Ltd., Madhav Joshi from the India Health Fund, Vasan Sambandamurthy from Bugworks Research Inc., Jyoti Joshi from The International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions, Kamini Walia from the Indian Council of Medical Research, and Tanushree Jain from WHO Youth Council. The session was moderated by Katherine Urbáez.

Navigating Health Diplomacy in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

NewsAt the WHS Regional Meeting in Delhi, the GHD Network hosted a session exploring how shifting geopolitics are reshaping global health. Speakers, including Rt Hon. Helen Clark and Yik-Ying Teo, highlighted the weakening of multilateral institutions, the urgency of regional leadership, and the need for sustainable financing. Discussions also emphasized building local capacity, adapting diplomacy for emerging technologies, and reimagining global cooperation for a more equitable future.

Navigating Health Diplomacy in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

NewsAt the WHS Regional Meeting in Delhi, the HD Institutional Network hosted a session exploring how shifting geopolitics are reshaping global health. Speakers, including Rt Hon. Helen Clark and Yik-Ying Teo, highlighted the weakening of multilateral institutions, the urgency of regional leadership, and the need for sustainable financing. Discussions also emphasized building local capacity, adapting diplomacy for emerging technologies, and reimagining global cooperation for a more equitable future.

Launch of the 2025 Executive Program in International Politics and Diplomacy for Health

NewsToday marks the launch of the 2025 cohort of the International Politics and Diplomacy for Health Executive Program. The program, which is an initiative of the Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institutet, focuses on how to navigate political processes for health at global or regional levels.

Global Health In Crisis: A conversation between Nina Schwalbe and Robin Davies

NewsIn this episode of Devpolicy Talks, Nina Schwalbe is interviewed by Robin Davies, honorary Professor of the Australian National University, about the dramatic shifts in US global health policy under the Trump administration and their far-reaching consequences.

Listen to the full episode at: https://ninaschwalbe.substack.com/p/global-health-in-crisis

Global Health In Crisis: A conversation between Nina Schwalbe and Robin Davies

NewsIn this episode of Devpolicy Talks, Nina Schwalbe is interviewed by Robin Davies, honorary Professor of the Australian National University, about the dramatic shifts in US global health policy under the Trump administration and their far-reaching consequences.

Listen to the full episode at: https://ninaschwalbe.substack.com/p/global-health-in-crisis

"Navigating the Future: AI and Global Health Diplomacy" arranged by the Health Diplomacy Institutional Network

NewsThe seminar arranged at the Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2025 explored the evolving role of diplomacy in global health, particularly in the age of AI. Discussions included the potential of AI to shape global health diplomacy, the role of diplomacy in AI use and regulation, concerns over worsening inequities due to data colonialism and climate impact, and more.

Call for Nominations

NewsWe are now inviting to nominate potential fellows for the 2025 year’s program. Nominations should be submitted no later than 20 January 2025. We will not accept direct applications, only potential candidates who have been nominated by a senior colleague will be considered. Based on nominations received, we will invite potential candidates who fulfil the requirements to submit a full application. You can find more information about the program and our work at our website. https://lnkd.in/dJ_89tgY

Global Health Politics: Multipolarity is the new reality

NewsThe international system of actors and institutions is transforming. China, Russia, and the diverse group of low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) often referred to as the Global South are challenging Western military power, economic thinking, and political influence. The extent and speed of that transformation are much debated, but the concept of a multipolar world order is taking root. What will such an order mean for global health diplomacy and governance?

Ministry for Foreign Affairs welcomes the Health Diplomacy Initiative

International workshop sets stage for Lancet Health Diplomacy Series

NewsCoinciding with the Nobel celebrations in Stockholm, a diverse group of global experts and researchers were invited for a workshop. The meeting, led by Tobias Alfvén, Professor and Anders Nordström, Senior Advisor in the Global Child Health and the Sustainable Development Goals research group at the Karolinska Institute, aimed to lay the groundwork for an upcoming Lancet Series on Health Diplomacy.

Intergenerational Masterclass on Health, Policy, and Leadership 2024

NewsGlobal Health Leadership Masterclass Inspires Emerging Leaders Across Asia Pacific

Lunch Seminar at Health Systems Research Summit

NewsA lunch seminar today on Global Health Diplomacy filled the room in Nagasaki at the Health Systems Research Summit. Health is intrinsically political and the need to understand and learn how to navigate in the political landscape is gaining huge interest right now.