WHO YOUTH COUNCIL 2026–2028: Applications Are Now Open for Youth Organizations Worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially opened its call for expressions of interest for the third term of the WHO Youth Council (2026–2028). This is a major opening for youth-led and youth-focused organizations — including those across Nigeria and the wider Arewa region — to sit at the table where global health policy is shaped.
What Is the WHO Youth Council?
The WHO Youth Council exists to bring young people's insight directly into how the World Health Organization makes decisions. Rather than treating youth voices as an afterthought, the Council gives youth-led and youth-focused organizations a structured platform to advise WHO, advocate for public health priorities, and help build healthier, more equitable systems globally. This is the Council's third term, following successful runs from 2022–2024 and 2024–2026.
Who Can Apply?
This is important to understand before you apply: the WHO Youth Council accepts applications from organizations, not individual applicants. WHO is inviting expressions of interest from:
-Youth-led organizations
-Youth-focused organizations
-Youth chapters of larger national or international organizations
-Organizations must be active at the international level, and WHO is intentionally seeking a balanced mix of both health and non-health organizations to reflect the full range of issues affecting young people today.
Eligibility by country: This call is open globally — there is no country or region restriction. Organizations from Nigeria, across Africa, and anywhere in the world are eligible to apply, as long as they meet WHO's organizational eligibility criteria in the official Terms of Reference.
One extra step to note: WHO is asking all Youth Council members to also be part of the WHO Civil Society Commission. If your organization isn't already a member, you'll need to apply there first before — or alongside — submitting your Youth Council expression of interest.
Why It Matters
-Elevate youth voices — represent your community's health priorities on a global stage
-Shape global health policy — contribute directly to WHO strategies and decisions
-Drive change for healthier societies — turn advocacy into real, structural influence
Key Details
-Who can apply: Youth-led, youth-focused, or youth-chapter organizations (international level)
-Eligible countries: Open worldwide — no country restriction
Application deadline: 23:59 CEST, 30 June 2026
First in-person meeting: October 2026
Cost to apply: Free
How to Apply
Applying involves two required submissions:
Complete the online WHO Youth Council Application Form
Submit the Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form
Applications are assessed on how well the organization meets the eligibility criteria, how it adds to the Council's diversity, and the strength of its motivation, plans, and relevant experience. WHO advises applying well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Before applying, read these reference documents carefully:
WHO Youth Council Terms of Reference: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/youth-engagement/tor_whoyouthcouncil.pdf
Tobacco-Arms Disclosure Form: https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/youth-engagement/tobacco-arms-disclosure-statement.pdf
WHO Civil Society Commission — How to Participate: https://www.who.int/about/collaboration/civil-society-and-ngo-engagement/civil-society-commission/how-to-participate
Tip👇🏼
If you run a women's empowerment group, a youth business or health initiative, or a youth chapter under a larger Arewa or Nigerian organization, this is worth serious consideration. A seat on the WHO Youth Council isn't just visibility — it's a direct line into how global health policy gets written, with real implications for the communities you already serve.
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