Austria Model WHO

What is Model WHO?

The World Health Assembly is an annual conference in which the Member States of WHO determine policies of the organisation with respect to a specific health agenda. For example, the 75th World Health Assembly was held in May 2022 on the theme: Health for peace, peace for health.

Model World Health Organization (Model WHO) is a modified simulation of the World Health Assembly in which participants role-play as delegates of countries and as representatives of organization. They discuss and debate on health policies, and finally pass resolutions that advise and recommend member states on health policies. The theme for the October 2022 simulation was Energy Security and Health.

When will Model WHO take place?

The next Model WHO will be conducted in person from 14th April to 16th April 2023. Follow us on social media and check our website to keep updated about future Model WHO events.

Where will Model WHO take place?

The April 2023 Model WHO will take place at the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences in Krems.

What is the difference between Model UN and Model WHO?

The Model United Nations (MUN) are simulations in which participants act as country representatives, and discuss and debate general conflicts in the world. In the Model WHO, the discussions are focussed on health policy. While other general issues are also discussed, the over-arching theme is health and healthcare.

Who can join the Model WHO simulations? Do I need to have background in medicine or health?

Anyone can join the Model WHO simulations. All you need is an interest in global health and health policy, and enthusiasm to discuss and learn! No experience and expertise is required. You will learn everything at the event and will get a chance to implement what you have learned.

What will I gain by participating in a simulation?

With the growing importance of health policy discussions, it is imperative that students and young professionals within the field gain more hands-on experience in international policy debates and diplomacy to achieve health goals. At the end of the simulation, one walks away with invaluable experience in both. Also, it makes a great addition to one’s resume, no matter the career path.

What happens at a Model WHO simulation?

Participants role-play as delegates of countries and as representatives of organizations at the “World Health Assembly”. Delegates discuss and debate on health agendas in regional blocks and produce draft resolutions. For example, delegates of the United States of America, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Bahamas, Ecuador etc. have their discussions within the PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation) region.

These resolutions are then presented in the plenary (with delegates from all regional blocks and non-state actors together). They are then debated to make amendements, and finally a decision is made collectively, to either pass them or reject each. The plenary sessions take place on the last day of the conference. In the April simulation, they would take place on the 16th April, Sunday.

Where and how can I register online?

You can register through the website of the Karl Landsteiner University. You first have to register an account with KL, and after receving an activation link, you can then register for Austria Model WHO with your details,

What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee enables the partipants to attend the conference for three whole days. It covers various things like (a) food and drinks at coffee and lunch breaks, (b) training for the debates during the conference, and (c) the social event on the final day.

Can I attend the simulation online?

Model WHO simulations are conducted both online and in-person. This April, we are conducting the simulation in person at the KL University. However, if there is enough interest in online participation, we will consider a hybrid setup.

Can I only participate for one day?

Unfortunately, that would not be possible as the simulation is designed to work as a three day event. What you do on day one will lead you to day two and on to day three, so a three day participation is not only ideal but also necessary.