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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.

Importance of Global Health Diplomacy

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.

Training in Global Health Diplomacy

The Centre for Global Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health’s Executive Course in Global Health Diplomacy is back for a fourth year. In collaboration with the Office of International Affairs for the Health Portfolio, Government of Canada, this executive training course is the first-of-its-kind in Canada. Designed for professionals working in health or health-related sectors, this course will explore the theory and practice of global health diplomacy as it relates to COVID-19 and other current health issues, while offering a uniquely Canadian approach.

REGISTRATION DATES FOR THE 2024 EXECUTIVE COURSE IN GLOBAL HEALTH DIPLOMACY

Applications will open on August 21st, 2023

Please download Application Instructions 

Application deadlines:

International & visa requiring applicants – Friday, October 13, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET

Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants – Friday, November 17, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET

About The Course

1. 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

2. Is there a course syllabus program I can review? 

  • An outline of the 2023 Executive Course on Global Health Diplomacy program is available here: 2023 PROGRAM
  • This year’s course will be offered in hybrid format:  
    • Module 1: ONLINE | Foundations: Immersing into Global Health Diplomacy | April 2024 – May 2024 
    • Module 2: IN-PERSON | Application: Diplomatic Skill-building | Tuesday June 4 – Thursday June 6th,  2024

3. Am I required to attend the in-person module, or can I participate virtually? 

  • Travel to Toronto in June for the in-person module of the course is required for all accepted participants.  

4. What if I require a visa to be allowed entry into Canada for the purpose of this course? 

5. Will certificates be provided?

    • A Certificate of Completion in Executive Development will be provided to participants.

6. Who can I contact if I have more questions:   

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.

Registration

1. Important Dates and deadlines

REGISTRATION OPEN Monday, August 21st, 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE

International & visa requiring applicants 

Friday, October 13, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET (Deadline passed)

Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants 

Friday, November 17, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED BEFORE

International & visa requiring applicants 

Monday, November 13, 2023

Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants 

Monday, December 18, 2023

2. How do I apply? 

  • To apply, please download Application Instructions HERE. Application packages should include: 
  1. Application information (listed in Application Instructions Form) 
  2. Expression of Interest Statement (300-500 words) 
  3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)  
  • Application packages should be emailed to globalhealth.dlsph@utoronto.ca  by Friday, October 13, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET for international/visa requiring applicants and Friday, November 17, 2023 @ 11:59PM ET for Domestic & non-visa requiring applicants.

3. What is the registration fee for the course?

  • Registration for the course is $1,300 CAD, including HST. Tuition fees include online and in-person course materials, teaching expenses, and hospitality costs.  

4. Does the registration fee cover my travel expenses for the in-person module? 

  • No – tuition 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 be covered for the following: 
    1. Course registration
    2. Travel expenses associated with the in-person module in Toronto (e.g., travel to/from Toronto, accommodations in Toronto, ground transportation, meals).

Global Health Diplomacy News & Updates

Podcast Series: Part 1

Why You Should Care About Global Health Diplomacy | ft. Dr. Garry Aslanyan, Manager of Partnerships and Governance at the WHO TDR

Podcast Series: Part 2

Working Within The Complexities Of Global Health | ft. Dr. Garry Aslanyan, Manager of Partnerships and Governance at the WHO TDR

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

The politics of public health: U of T offers novel course in diplomacy for public health professionals

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).

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