International Students’ and Young Professionals Meeting on Public Health
The International Students’ and Young Professionals Meeting on Public Health (ISMOPH) is a youth-led, inclusive platform embedded within the 18th World Congress on Public Health 2026 in Cape Town, co-led by Young WFPHA and the PHASA Youth.
Designed by and for students and young professionals, ISMOPH provides a dedicated space for emerging public health leaders to connect, build capacity, and actively shape their role within global health conversations. Through interactive and participatory approaches, the meeting brings together students and young professionals from around the world to learn from one another, exchange experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue on current and future public health challenges.
ISMOPH emphasizes capacity building, peer learning, and collective reflection through workshops, facilitated discussions, and collaborative activities. Participants strengthen practical skills, build confidence to engage in public health forums, and contribute ideas, proposals, and shared outputs that reflect youth perspectives and priorities. Creative showcases of youth-led organizations and initiatives highlight the diversity, innovation, and leadership of young people in public health, while fostering inter-organizational collaboration and expanding global networks.
A social programme complements the meeting by encouraging informal exchange, strengthening connections, and supporting the development of lasting professional relationships and global friendships.
Participation in ISMOPH is free of charge for individuals registered for the World Congress on Public Health and is open to all participants under the age of 40. Interest in ISMOPH can be indicated during registration for the main Congress through a dedicated selection option.
Through ISMOPH, youth are not only participants—they are active contributors shaping the future of public health