Canadian Youth Delegate (CYD) for Global Health Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’re a motivated young professional or student passionate about global health, public policy, and youth leadership, now is your moment: applications are officially open for the Canadian Youth Delegate (CYD) Programme.
The CYD program offers a prestigious opportunity for Canadian youth to shape Canada’s voice in global health diplomacy. Chosen delegates influence policy, engage with high-level international forums, and gain invaluable leadership experience on the global stage.
🧭 Program Summary
Location: Canada (engage internationally at forums such as WHO, PAHO, UN)
Sponsor: Canadian Youth Delegate for Global Health Program (via Government of Canada/health portfolio)
Level/Type: Young professionals or students (non-degree programme)
Target Group: Canadian citizens aged 18–30, students or young professionals in health sciences, clinical care, or global/public health
Fields of Focus: Global health diplomacy, youth engagement, health governance, international policy (WHO, PAHO, UN contexts)
Coverage (Financial Support): Full reimbursement of travel, accommodation, per diem (initially paid by delegate)
Duration: Participation aligns with preparation and attendance at international governing meetings (e.g., WHO Executive Board, World Health Assembly, PAHO Directing Council & Executive Committee, UN General Assembly High-Level Meetings)
Application Deadline: 7 September 2025
Program Start Date: Likely aligns with 2026 sessions of international meetings (e.g., WHO, UN), though no specific start date published
Eligible To: Canadian citizens aged 18–30 with a valid passport; current students or young professionals in relevant fields
📚 Program Overview
The CYD Program offers young Canadians a platform to shape national participation in global health. Delegates lead youth consultations across Canada to bring diverse perspectives into policy-making processes and preparation for major international forums.
Key involvement includes:
Advising Canadian delegations on youth priorities
Supporting Canada’s representation at WHO’s Executive Board, World Health Assembly
Contributing to PAHO Directing Council and Executive Committee meetings
Engaging in UN General Assembly High-Level Meetings
🎁 Benefits
Full financial support: travel, lodging, and per diem reimbursed post-participation
Hands-on exposure to international diplomacy and global health governance
Opportunity to influence global health policy with youth perspectives
Skill-building in leadership, advocacy, consultation, and policymaking
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Must be a Canadian citizen with a valid Canadian passport
Age: Between 18 and 30 years old at time of application
Background: Enrolled student or young professional in health sciences, clinical care, or global/public health
Preferred: Experience in youth engagement/networks, understanding of global health governance (UN/WHO/PAHO), and bilingualism (English/French)
📝 Application Procedure
Applicants must submit:
Completed online application form (via official CYD site)
Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two recommendation letters (max one page each):
One from a professional referee
One from a peer referee
Note: Referees must email letters directly to the specified official address
Be sure to ensure completeness and high quality of your materials—evaluators will heavily weigh demonstrated experience in global health, policy or diplomacy, and youth engagement .
💡 Why This Opportunity Matters
A rare avenue to influence Canada’s stance in global health conversations
Build credibility in diplomacy, governance, and advocacy
Gain exposure and connections with international organizations (WHO, PAHO, UN)
Amplify under-represented youth perspectives in health policymaking
