AKU Hosts its First Student-led Model WHO Assembly
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- March 4, 2025
- 4:08 pm
- 79
- Current Affairs
The Aga Khan University (AKU) hosted its first-ever Model WHO Assembly at AKU, a student-led simulation that brought together young minds to tackle global health challenges. Organized by the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the event was led by AKU’s Graduate Education Student Society (AGESS).
Discussing Global Health Issues
The two-day Model WHO Assembly gave students a platform to debate key health topics. These included universal health coverage, pandemic resilience, climate and health, and gender health equity. Students worked in teams to propose solutions and draft resolutions to improve public health policies.
Learning Through Experience
Participants took part in lobbying, negotiations, and alliance-building. These activities helped them understand how global health policies are made. Each team focused on a topic, developed ideas, and worked together to refine their resolutions. The process encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO’s Country Representative for Pakistan, attended as the chief guest. He spoke about the need for global cooperation in healthcare. “It’s essential to recognise that people’s health is interconnected across borders. The Model WHO event helps us see how young minds can contribute to innovative solutions.”
Building Leadership Skills
Dr. Adil Haider, Dean of AKU’s Medical College, highlighted the value of hands-on learning. “By thinking through issues, exchanging ideas, understanding the positions of other nations, crafting resolutions and drafting position papers, our students get a glimpse into the practical world that governments function in,” he said. He also stressed the importance of soft skills. “Learning the softer skills of debating, negotiating, conflict resolution, diplomacy, teamwork, and policy creation is critical for leaders and excelling in them will give our students the confidence to affect meaningful change,” he added.
Professor Shahid Shamim, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, called the event a great learning opportunity. “AKU Model-WHO is an innovative learning experience where students from diverse backgrounds can learn together in a safe and conducive learning environment,” he said. He also announced plans to expand the event to include students from other universities.
Recognizing Excellence
The event ended with an awards ceremony. Students who wrote outstanding position papers and excelled in debates were recognized. The first Model WHO Assembly at AKU was a success and set the stage for future events in global health governance.
