Introduction
In today’s interconnected world, health has become one of the most pressing dimensions of international cooperation. Pandemics, climate change, and unequal access to healthcare highlight the importance of Global Health Diplomacy as a critical tool to bridge health and foreign policy. This discipline combines the principles of public health and international relations to promote collaboration between governments, international organizations, and private sector actors.
This course is designed for executives, team leaders, and specialists in both government and private institutions across the Middle East and North Africa. It provides a deep understanding of how health diplomacy shapes global security, fosters international negotiations, and strengthens strategic cooperation in addressing cross-border health challenges.
Course Objectives
- Understand the key concepts of global health diplomacy.
- Analyze the intersection between health and foreign policy.
- Develop strategies for international cooperation in health crises.
- Apply negotiation tools in global health issues.
- Strengthen risk management and preparedness capabilities.
- Study successful case studies of international health collaboration.
- Build leadership skills in complex health and political contexts.
- Explore the role of innovation and technology in global health policy.
Course Outlines
Day One: Introduction to Global Health Diplomacy
- Defining global health diplomacy and its dimensions.
- Evolution of the concept in the 21st century.
- Role of the World Health Organization and regional bodies.
- Contributions of non-governmental actors in global health.
- Examples of transnational health issues.
- Group activity: analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on international relations.
Day Two: Health and Foreign Policy
- Health as a component of national and international security.
- Health as a tool of soft power.
- Integrating health goals into foreign policy strategies.
- Balancing national interests with global responsibilities.
- Case studies of states leveraging health in diplomacy.
- Exercise: designing a health-centered foreign policy strategy.
Day Three: Negotiation Tools in Global Health
- Fundamentals of multilateral negotiation.
- Building alliances in global health conferences.
- Barriers to concluding international health agreements.
- Role of scientific evidence in negotiations.
- Case studies of successful health agreements.
- Simulation exercise: vaccine distribution negotiations.
Day Four: Crisis Management and Global Health Governance
- Understanding health governance and its role.
- Strategies for epidemic and pandemic response.
- Coordination between states and international organizations.
- Challenges in cross-border crisis management.
- Role of media in shaping global health responses.
- Practical task: designing a comprehensive health crisis response plan.
Day Five: Practical Applications, Case Studies, and Final Assessment
- Recap of key concepts and tools covered.
- Analysis of case studies from the Middle East and beyond.
- Future trends in global health diplomacy.
- Group project: drafting an international health strategy for a country or organization.
- Presentation of projects and peer review.
- Final evaluation and lessons learned.
Why Attend This Course: Wins & Losses!
- Acquire specialized knowledge in global health diplomacy.
- Gain practical skills in negotiation and crisis management.
- Deepen understanding of the health–foreign policy nexus.
- Enhance leadership capabilities in complex crises.
- Learn from international and regional best practices.
- Improve institutional readiness for global health threats.
- Build a professional network with experts in health and policy.
- Strengthen the role of your organization in global cooperation.
Conclusion
Global Health Diplomacy is no longer a niche concept but a necessity for international cooperation. It equips leaders and professionals with the skills to negotiate effectively, respond to health crises, and foster partnerships across borders.
This program empowers participants with comprehensive knowledge, practical tools, and case-based insights that can be directly applied in their institutions to strengthen both national and global health security.
