Applications for 2026 are now CLOSED.
Applications for 2027 will open August 2026.
Course Co-Directors
|
Garry Aslanyan |
|
Erica Di Ruggiero |
Learn more about the course below.
About the Course
1. What is global health diplomacy?
Global heath diplomacy is a new emerging interdisciplinary field, bridging public health and international affairs to coordinate global health action. It encompasses a wide variety of health issues and engages with all levels of government, civil society and the private sector, as well as collaborating with other non-health related sectors to solve complex global health problems.
Global health diplomacy facilitates coordinated action to adapt to global health crisis and improve global health outcomes. This course will develop important skills that will allow its learners to improve and build capacity in global health diplomacy, both in Canada and globally.
2. What skills will I learn?
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Articulate and analyze the theories and practices of global health diplomacy as it relates to COVID-19 and other current health issues
- Apply diplomacy, negotiation, communication, and analytical skills to global health negotiations
3. Is there a past course program I can review?
An outline of the past Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy program is available here: 2025 GHD COURSE PROGRAM
This year’s course will be offered in a hybrid format:
- Module 1: ONLINE | Foundations: Immersing into Global Health Diplomacy | April 2026 – May 2026
- Module 2: IN PERSON | Application: Diplomatic Skill-building | Tuesday, June 2 – Thursday, June 4, 2026
4. Am I required to attend the in-person module, or can I participate virtually?
Travel to Toronto in June for module 2 is required for all accepted participants in order to complete the course.
5. What if I require a visa to be allowed entry into Canada for the purpose of this course?
We highly recommend that participants from outside of Canada initiate the travel visa process of their respective countries immediately after acceptance into the course. Visas will be required before travel dates in the month of June.
For more information, please visit the University of Toronto Centre for International Experience website for more information: https://internationalexperience.utoronto.ca/international-student-services/immigration/entering-canada/
6. Will certificates be provided?
A Certificate of Completion will be provided to participants.
7. Who can I contact if I have more questions:
For additional information please contact the Centre for Global Health at globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca
Prospective Learners
1. Who should take the course?
The course is designed for professionals working in health or health-related sectors, such as:
- Diplomats, policy advisors, managers and leaders working in government
- Professionals working in health, international relations, economics, management, international law, security, or whose portfolios intersect with global health
- Professionals working for NGOs, philanthropic organizations, the private sector, academia & multilateral organizations
- Professionals in cross-disciplines interested in learning more about linkages to global health
2. Do I need a background in global health?
A background in health or global health is not a prerequisite to participate in the course. Although the course will be touching upon issues related to global health, the primary intent of the course is to better understand the place of health in negotiations and to build the skills required to engage in cross-sectoral dialogue on an international level.
3. Are there language requirements?
While course content and discussions will be delivered in English, additional support/assistance can be provided by course Directors and Coordinators for attendees wishing to receive clarification in French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Russian.
Application Details
1. Important Dates and deadlines
| APPLICATIONS OPEN | Date: Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| APPLICATIONS DUE |
International & visa requiring applicants Applications NOW CLOSED Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants Applications NOW CLOSED. |
| SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED BEFORE |
International & visa requiring applicants Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants Date: Monday, December 15, 2025 |
2. How do I apply?
To apply, please download the Application Instructions. Your application package should include:
- Applicant information (listed in the Application Instructions)
- Expression of Interest Statement (300-500 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Please submit your application package by e-mail to us at globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca.
3. How much does the course cost?
The course fee is $1,400 CAD, including HST. The fees include online and in-person course materials, teaching expenses, and hospitality costs.
4. Does the course fee cover my travel expenses for the in-person module?
No, the fee does not cover participant costs associated with travel to the course in-person module (e.g., travel to/from Toronto, accommodations in Toronto, travel/health/personal insurances, etc.). In-person expenses are self-funded by participants.
5. Is there financial assistance provided?
A small number of subsidies are available to participants with demonstrated financial need (e.g., students, participants residing in a low- and middle-income country). Applicants who wish to be considered for financial assistance should indicate this in their application package and are encouraged to contact globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca directly for further information.
Participants awarded financial assistance will have their course fee waived.
Please note all course participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses to attend module 2 (e.g., travel to/from Toronto, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, etc.)
Training in Global Health Diplomacy
Global Health Diplomacy News & Updates
Podcast Series: Part 1
Podcast Series: Part 2
A coherent global health strategy would help Canada lead in the world
Bringing the skills of a diplomat to global health challenges
Framing diplomacy through a health lens
Teaching the Art of Diplomacy in Public Health
Canada needs to beef up its global health diplomacy
U of T Offers Groundbreaking Training in Diplomacy for Public Health Professionals
Global Health Diplomacy Resources
Global Health Diplomacy Discussion Panel featuring Ilona Kickbusch and discussants Joel Lexchin and Mark Brender, who explored how countries engaged in global health diplomacy on the world stage (June 2023).
“Public Health Diplomacy” Podcast
Public Health Diplomacy by EN-SURE HEALTH (spotify.com)
“Global Health Matters” podcast:
Available at: https://tdr.who.int/global-health-matters-podcast. Specific episodes related to global health diplomacy include:
- Episode 31: Geopolitics of global health – part 1 & 2
- Episode 23: Decolonization, localization and WHO – History matters part 1
“Healthy Cities in the SDG Era” podcast:
Available at: https://healthycitiesinthesdgera.buzzsprout.com/. Specific episodes related to global health diplomacy include:
- Episode 6: Global Health Diplomacy
Oxford annotated bibliography guide:
Global Health Diplomacy – Public Health – Oxford Bibliographies
Healthy Cities in the SDG Era podcast – episode with Ilona Kickbusch and Srikanth Kondreddy:
Global Health Diplomacy (buzzsprout.com)
Contact Us
For additional information please contact the Centre for Global Health at globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca