Geneva Health Forum 2025

Fostering dialogue and collaboration among key players in global health

In May 2025, the Geneva Health Forum (GHF) took place in parallel with the World Health Assembly (WHA). While the WHA convenes a political audience, the GHF provides a unique platform to bring forward the voices of scientists, healthcare professionals, and field actors—offering critical perspectives on today’s major global health challenges and opportunities.

Among the participants were MCI master's students from International Health & Social Management (IHSM) and European Health Economics & Management (EuHEM) programs.

Students described the event as both professionally enriching and personally inspiring. With a program that tackled topics such as climate change, malnutrition, AI in public health, and migrant health, the forum invited reflection on the future of healthcare systems worldwide.

A key takeaway, as highlighted by two students, was the strong emphasis on cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary dialogue. “That theme came through in every panel discussion,” one reflected. They particularly appreciated the setting of this year’s smaller venues, which allowed for more open and spontaneous exchanges. “You never knew who you’d end up sitting next to – and that was the beauty of it,” they noted. “Titles didn’t matter – what mattered was curiosity and a shared commitment to global and One Health.”

In connection with the GHF, students also had the chance to explore some of Geneva’s key health institutions and symbolic sites, such as the WHO headquarters, the UN Office at Geneva, and the Broken Chair monument—powerful reminders of the global impact of health policy and diplomacy. The decentralized format of the GHF, with sessions held across various locations in the city, naturally opened the door to these experiences.

For future MCI participants, the advice is clear:

“Don’t go in thinking you have to network. Be open, be curious, and let conversations happen naturally. That’s where real connections, and even job or internship opportunities, come from. Ask questions, stay until the end of sessions—especially at the satellite events, as they were more relaxed and intimate, with great buffets too! And definitely take some time to explore what Geneva has to offer!”

The Geneva Health Forum 2025 left students with new insights, meaningful connections, and a renewed motivation to engage in the global health landscape—not just in theory, but in practice.

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If you are interested in shaping topics within social, health, and public management, apply for our programs and be part of the future! We Are Managing the Public Interest!