Positioning Youth at the Centre of Africa’s Health Future

The Youth & Health Event is a dedicated youth gathering designed to move beyond symbolic participation and translate youth voice into youth power through evidence-informed, policy-relevant dialogue.

Why this event matters

Young people are not only the largest users of health systems — they are emerging providers, innovators, advocates, and system builders shaping the future of health across the continent.

A platform built for youth leadership, action, and influence

Anchored in the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 theme, this event convenes young professionals, researchers, students, advocates and innovators to engage in structured discussions that are practical, forward-looking, and policy-relevant.

Move beyond symbolic participation to meaningful youth power
Shape health systems conversations at local, national, and regional levels
Contribute recommendations that inform the wider Summit
Connect with peers, institutions, and partners across Africa

2

Days of Engagement

6

Parallel Sessions

30+

Speakers

200+

Youth Participants

A space built for dialogue, action, and connection

Structured Breakout Dialogue

Sessions are designed to generate practical insights and recommendations that can influence decision-making, investment priorities, and accountability mechanisms across health systems.

Interactive Conversations

From keynote moments to life conversations, participants will engage in open, thoughtful exchanges on the issues shaping the future of health in Africa.

Cross-Continental Connection

Meet fellow students, researchers, practitioners, youth-led organisations, and innovators committed to transforming health systems across the continent and beyond.

Session tracks

Track 1: Youth as Architects of Health System Resilience

Explore how youth leadership can help build resilient, future-ready health systems in the face of demographic change, urbanisation, digital transformation, and shifting disease burdens.

Track 2: The Role of Youth in Reimagining Health Systems

Examine the structural, financial, and social dimensions of transformation and how young people can influence priorities, governance, and equitable investment in health systems.

Life Conversation

Scroll Smart: What to believe in the Age of AI and Online Influence. Digital platforms now shape how health information is created, shared, and trusted. This session explores how young advocates, creators, and health professionals can navigate online influence, rebuild public trust, and advance youth-driven digital health leadership.

A diverse community of young changemakers

What this event will produce

Actionable Policy Insights

Recommendations for strengthening youth participation in health systems governance, delivered directly into Summit-level discussions and decision-making spaces.

New Partnerships

Connections between young leaders, academic institutions, global health organisations, civil society, and development partners that continue beyond the 2026 meeting.

Youth Declaration / Roadmap

A collective output capturing recommendations, commitments, and calls to action from participants for presentation at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting.

Greater Visibility for Youth Leadership

Amplified recognition of youth-led innovation, advocacy, and leadership in health across continental and global platforms.

New York Programme

The Science Summit NYC programme, taking place in New York from 21–25 September alongside the United Nations General Assembly, will bring together policymakers, scientists, international organisations, industry leaders, civil society, youth representatives, Indigenous communities, and development partners to explore the role of science, innovation, and international cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

The programme will focus on key strategic areas including climate resilience, food systems, health, biodiversity, AI, digital infrastructures, science diplomacy, sustainable finance, gender equality, youth leadership, and global partnerships.

Particular attention will be given to strengthening South–South and triangular scientific cooperation, promoting more equitable global research ecosystems, and supporting the growing leadership of countries from the Global South in shaping international scientific agendas, innovation systems, and sustainable development pathways.

Monday, 21 September 2026 (EDT)

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Opening

The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.

Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
The role of science in addressing global challenges
Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities

10:00 AM – 13:00 PM

Parallel 1: Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture

This session will examine how science, innovation, and sustainable agriculture can support resilient food systems, food security, and climate adaptation while strengthening livelihoods and ecosystems in LMIC and globally.

• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Food security and nutrition
• Sustainable food systems
• Regenerative agriculture
• Agricultural innovation and technology
• Biodiversity and farming systems

Parallel 2: Global Health

The session will focus on global health cooperation, scientific partnerships, and innovation ecosystems supporting resilient and inclusive health systems.

• Global health cooperation
• Scientific collaboration
• Health innovation ecosystems
• Digital health
• Public-private partnerships
• Health diplomacy

Parallel 3: Global Sustainability Report

This session will focus on the role of science and evidence-informed policymaking in supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening the science-policy interface

• Science-policy interface
• SDG implementation
• Evidence-informed policymaking
• Sustainable development indicators
• Global Sustainability Report
• International scientific cooperation
• Science diplomacy

13:00 PM – 14:00 PM

Lunch break

14:00 PM – 17:00 PM

Parallel 1: Soil Health and Sustainable Land Management

The session will explore the importance of soil restoration, sustainable land management, and ecosystem resilience for food security, biodiversity protection, and climate adaptation.

• Soil restoration
• Sustainable land management
• Regenerative agriculture
• Nature-based solutions
• Biodiversity protection

Parallel 2: Artificial Intelligence and the Technology Facilitation Mechanism

This session will focus on AI, digital public infrastructure, emerging technologies, and technology governance for sustainable development.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital public infrastructure
• AI governance
• Technology and sustainable development
• Innovation ecosystems

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

3:50 PM – 5:00 PM

Health Equity, Gender, and Social Justice

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Life Conversations: Scroll Smart — What to believe in the Age of AI and Online Influence

Moderators, panelists and expert audience with youth leaders, researchers and health professionals.