Program Description

Strengthening 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.

In light of recent shocks to the multilateral system, geopolitical faultlines, technological developments, power and funding shifts, and calls to decolonize global health, among other key developments, diplomacy is more essential than ever for global health. For professionals new to Geneva and/or global health, the program offers the practical knowledge to successfully navigate International Geneva’s global health ecosystem. More seasoned practitioners will be able to update their knowledge of contemporary issues and refine their skills. The program will offer invaluable networking opportunities for participants. 

The program consists of a foundational course (3 half-days), short courses (2 half-days) and master classes (2-3 hours). They are designed to strengthen key competencies critical to the practice of global health diplomacy:

• Essential global health knowledge
• Political analysis & diplomacy
• Strategic decision-making & leadership
• Cross-cultural & interpersonal communication
• Coalition-building and advocacy

2026 Program Schedule

• March 5:Managing Borders during Public Health Emergencies (Master Class)
• March 18-20: The New Diplomacy of Global Health(Foundational course)
• June 24-25: Global Health Law(Short Course)
• July 7: Negotiation Skills for Global Health Diplomacy Part 1(Master Class)
• October 7-8: Climate Change & Health(Short Course)
• November 3: Negotiation Skills for Global Health Diplomacy Part 2(Master Class)
• December 1: The Global Health Ecosystem for Access to Medicines (Master Class)

More information about the program is available here.

Please read the below information carefully

Program Details

• The program is designed for global health stakeholders based in Geneva. However, applications from outside Switzerland are welcome. Participants traveling from outside Geneva must cover their own travel and accommodation costs, and arrange for their own visas where needed.
• There is no fee to participate in the program, thanks to the generous support of our donors.
• The program will be conducted in English.
• The program will take place in person at the Geneva Graduate Institute throughout 2026.
• Participants are expected to participate actively in class discussions and complete assigned readings.
• Deadline to Apply: Sunday 30 November2025 (23:45 CET). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until available spaces are filled.
• Applicants will be notified of the result of the selection process in mid-December 2025.

Application Requirements

• A short statement of motivation: Explain your motivation for participating in this program and how you expect the program to contribute to your work: Maximum 500 words.
• A 1-2 page (max.) curriculum vitae
• The name and contact information for one professional reference.
• Your profile picture and short biography.

Attendance Requirements

To obtain the Certificate of Program Completion, admitted participants must:

• Attend the Foundational Course, and
• Attend at least one Short Course, and
• Attend at least three Master Classes.

Note: Participants who have received a Certificate of Course Completion for the course “The New Diplomacy of Global Health” do not need to repeat the course if accepted in the program.

Applications will be selected based on the following criteria

• Strength of the statement of motivation
• At least one relevant work experience with work responsibilities pertaining to global health and/or participation in policy-making processes
• Regional, organisational and gender diversity
• Ability and commitment to participate in the full program, in person

Additional short courses may be offered during the year. See here.