Frequently Asked Questions
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The Youth Career Accelerator in Health is a 5-day immersive international workshop in Geneva, Switzerland, designed to help students and young professionals explore future-facing careers in health. The programme combines expert-led learning, career pathway exploration, real-world exposure, site visits, peer collaboration, and post-workshop career support.
The workshop will take place from 17-21 August 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The final venue will be announced soon. Confirmed venue details and reporting instructions will be shared with registered participants before the workshop.
Geneva is a major hub for global health, diplomacy, international cooperation, and policy dialogue. It is home to leading UN agencies, global health institutions, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, making it an ideal setting for participants to understand how global health decisions, partnerships, and careers are shaped.
The workshop is designed for students and early-career professionals who are studying, exploring, or considering careers in health and who are passionate about making an impact in people’s lives.
No. The workshop is open to participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. It is particularly relevant for those interested in public health, global health, medicine, pharmacy, life sciences, biotechnology, digital health, health policy, innovation, international organizations, NGOs, development agencies and health leadership.
The workshop goes beyond lectures. It is structured as an immersive experience combining technical sessions, site visits, career readiness activities, mentorship, group challenges, reflection circles, and networking. The format is designed to help participants connect learning with real-world exposure and practical career planning.
Participants will explore how the health sector is changing due to digital technologies, AI, climate change, funding shifts, global health challenges, public health transformation, and life-sciences innovation. They will also learn how to connect their interests and skills to practical career pathways in health.
The workshop focuses on four core career tracks:
- Global Health, Climate Health & Health Diplomacy: global health governance, international development, donors, NGOs, health equity, climate-health linkages and diplomacy.
- Public Health Systems, Policy & Healthcare Delivery: public health systems, healthcare delivery, policy, implementation, health workforce pathways and health systems roles.
- Digital Health, AI & Health Innovation: digital health transformation, AI for health, health data, health tech, entrepreneurship, innovation and digital governance.
- Pharmaceutical, Vaccine, Biotech & MedTech Careers: life-sciences careers across pharma, vaccines, biotech, MedTech, access, procurement, regulatory affairs, quality, manufacturing, supply chain and medical affairs.
The programme is structured in three stages:
- Before the workshop: online preparation sessions introduce participants to the programme, global health career trends, the four career tracks, CV and LinkedIn preparation, and the challenge bootcamp.
- During the workshop: participants take part in a 5-day Geneva immersion with technical sessions, expert discussions, site visits, career skills sessions, group work, challenge bootcamp presentations and networking.
- After the workshop: participants continue with reflection, mentorship, CV and LinkedIn refinement, opportunity mapping, alumni engagement and career progress review.
Before arriving in Geneva, participants join virtual preparation sessions. These sessions help them understand the programme structure, explore the global health career landscape, choose career tracks, prepare their CV and LinkedIn direction, and begin forming teams for the challenge bootcamp.
Across the five days, participants will move from understanding the health ecosystem to building a practical career plan. The agenda includes orientation, Geneva ecosystem exposure, technical sessions, career readiness workshops, site visits, challenge sprints, mentorship, vertical-specific masterclasses, career pathway breakouts, final presentations and closing reflections. For day-wise topics, participants should refer to the official agenda.
Yes. Site visits are a key part of the workshop. Depending on the final schedule, exposure may include UN agencies, diplomatic missions, donors, global health institutions, Swiss public health organizations, hospitals, universities, academic institutions, digital health labs, innovation hubs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, MedTech organizations or life-sciences incubators.
Participants will learn from a diverse group of leaders and practitioners, including UN officials, global health leaders, public health experts, policymakers, industry professionals, innovation pioneers, academics, researchers and youth leaders.
Participants are expected to develop practical career and learning outputs, including a career reflection, primary and secondary track selection, updated CV direction, LinkedIn profile direction, short professional bio, group challenge output, site visit reflections, opportunity map, networking plan and personal 90-day career action plan.
Yes. Participants will take part in a challenge bootcamp. They may work on formats such as a presentation, policy note, innovation concept, poster, short video or other applied output linked to a real health challenge or career pathway theme.
The group challenge is an applied learning activity where participants work individually or in teams around a real health theme. Outputs may take the form of a presentation, poster, policy note, short video, innovation concept or career opportunity map. This mirrors real-world challenge formats used in career accelerator and leadership programmes.
The programme is designed to help participants understand the health sector before choosing a specific path. Through technical sessions, expert insights, site visits, mentorship and reflection, participants can compare different career options and identify roles, skills, institutions and entry routes aligned with their interests.
After the workshop, participants continue with virtual sessions focused on reflection, career action plan submission, CV and LinkedIn refinement, applications, UN and international organization pathways, mentorship circles by career track, opportunity mapping, networking, alumni showcase and continued community engagement.
Participants will join a diverse global cohort of future health leaders. The workshop creates opportunities to connect with peers, collaborate across backgrounds, build an international professional network, exchange ideas and continue engaging through the post-workshop alumni and mentorship pathway.
Yes. Participants who successfully complete the workshop requirements are expected to receive a certificate of participation, subject to attendance, engagement and programme completion criteria.
To register for the workshop, click the "Register" button on the event website. Complete the registration form and follow the prompts to submit your details and confirm your interest.
The registration form may request basic personal details, contact information, academic or professional background, current institution or organization, country of residence, career interests, preferred career track, motivation for joining, accessibility or support requirements, consent preferences and emergency contact details where required.
No. Submission of the registration form records your interest or application. Your seat is confirmed only after the organizing team reviews the registration, confirms eligibility and availability, and receives the required participation fee or approved sponsorship confirmation, where applicable.
Yes. Because seats are limited, registrations may be reviewed based on eligibility, motivation, fit with the workshop objectives, background, diversity of cohort, payment status and seat availability.
Yes. Universities, academic institutions, student associations, public health associations, NGOs, employers and partner organizations may nominate suitable participants. Nominated participants must still complete the required registration process and meet the programme criteria.
Participants should contact the organizing team as soon as possible if any registration details need to be corrected or updated. Changes may be accepted depending on the nature of the update, operational timelines and programme requirements.
After submission, the organizing team may review your information, contact you for clarifications if needed, share payment or confirmation instructions, and provide next steps related to workshop preparation, logistics and onboarding.
Yes. Seats are limited to maintain the quality of interaction, mentoring, site exposure, group work and participant support. Early registration is encouraged.
The workshop will be conducted in English. Participants should have sufficient English proficiency to engage in discussions, group activities, presentations and networking sessions.
The workshop participation fee is CHF 950 per participant.
The CHF 950 workshop fee includes the official learning and participation components listed below:
- Pre-workshop, during-workshop and post-workshop activities
- Access to the 5-day workshop programme in Geneva
- Learning materials
- Lunch during the workshop days, as per the official programme
- Tea and coffee breaks during the workshop days, as per the official programme
- Planned site visit on Day 4, subject to final confirmation and institutional permissions
- Certificate of participation, subject to completion requirements
- LMS portal access
- Welcome kit at the on-site registration desk
- Participant badge
- Access to the community of practice
The following costs are not included in the CHF 950 workshop fee and must be arranged and paid by the participant unless separately sponsored or explicitly confirmed in writing:
- Two-way international or domestic travel
- Local transport outside the official programme
- Visa application fees and related costs
- Accommodation
- Travel, health and personal insurance
- Breakfasts and dinners
- SIM card, roaming, internet or personal communication expenses
- Personal expenses, shopping, laundry and optional activities
Yes. Participants should separately budget for variable and personal costs that may arise before or during travel.
- Bank charges, ATM fees, currency conversion fees and international transaction fees
- Healthcare expenses, emergencies, missed flights, airline penalties, rebooking fees or incidentals
- Additional transport, meals or personal purchases not listed in the official programme
The estimated additional cost will vary depending on the participant’s country of departure, travel route, accommodation choice and personal spending. The indicative estimates below are provided only for planning purposes and are not fixed programme charges.
Indicative additional cost per participant above the CHF 950 workshop fee
| Region | Indicative additional cost above workshop fee |
|---|---|
| Europe | Approximately CHF 1,000 |
| Asia | Approximately CHF 2,000-2,500 |
| Africa | Approximately CHF 2,000-2,500 |
| Americas | Approximately CHF 2,000-2,500 |
Payment deadlines, cancellation terms and refund conditions should be reviewed carefully before confirming participation. Any refund or cancellation request will be handled in line with the official Terms and Conditions communicated by the organizing team.
Scholarship or sponsorship opportunities may be available depending on partner support and available funding. Interested participants should follow the official instructions on the website or contact the organizing team for current information.
Yes. A university, employer, sponsor or partner may support a participant’s fee where agreed. The participant should ensure that payment and confirmation requirements are completed within the stated timelines.
Yes. Participants are responsible for checking and securing any visa or travel authorization required to enter Switzerland. The organizing team may provide supporting documents where applicable, but visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant authorities.
Where applicable and after registration confirmation, the organizing team may issue a participation confirmation or invitation-related document to support a visa application. This does not guarantee visa approval.
No. Accommodation is not included in the workshop fee unless separately confirmed in writing. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation.
Local transport is not included except for any transport specifically arranged as part of the official programme. Participants should budget separately for airport transfers, daily commuting and personal travel within Geneva.
Participants are strongly advised to obtain appropriate travel and health insurance covering the full duration of travel and stay in Switzerland, including medical needs, accidents, emergencies, travel disruption, baggage loss and personal liability.
Lunch and tea/coffee breaks are included during workshop days as per the official programme. Breakfasts, dinners, meals outside programme hours and personal dietary purchases are not included.
The organizing team aims to support inclusive participation where reasonably possible. Participants with accessibility needs, mobility requirements, assistive technology needs, dietary restrictions or other support requirements should indicate this in the registration form or contact the organizing team as early as possible.
Yes. Participants may request reasonable adjustments during registration. The organizing team will review requests based on feasibility, venue capacity, partner-site requirements, safety considerations and available resources.
Accessibility at external site visits may vary depending on the host institution, security requirements, building access and operational constraints. The organizing team will try to provide advance information and support where possible.
Participants should bring valid travel documents, any required visa, personal identification, travel and health insurance details, suitable professional clothing, a laptop or small-sized tablet if needed, chargers, any required medications and any materials requested before the workshop.
Yes. Participants are expected to behave professionally, respectfully and responsibly throughout the programme. This includes respecting peers, speakers, mentors, partner institutions, host-site rules, confidentiality expectations, cultural diversity and safety instructions.
Participants are expected to attend the full programme. Absence from sessions may affect learning outcomes, group work, networking opportunities and eligibility for a certificate of participation.
Personal information collected through registration and programme participation will be used for workshop administration, eligibility review, communication, participant coordination, logistics, learning activities, reporting, analysis, programme improvement, certificates, community engagement and post-workshop support, in accordance with applicable data protection principles.
The organizing team may collect information such as name, contact details, country, institution, academic or professional background, career interests, motivation, preferred career tracks, payment or sponsorship status, dietary or accessibility needs, emergency contact details and communication preferences.
Participant data may be shared only where necessary for programme delivery, administration, reporting, partner coordination, site access, certification, payment processing, safeguarding, legal compliance or participant support. Data will not be sold to third parties.
Yes. Participants may receive emails or other communications related to registration, payment, onboarding, preparation sessions, workshop logistics, learning activities, certificates, post-workshop mentorship, alumni engagement and relevant career opportunities. Participants may manage communication preferences where applicable.
Photos, videos, testimonials or participant stories may be captured during the workshop for documentation, reporting, communication or promotional purposes. Where required, consent will be sought, and participants may contact the organizing team if they have concerns about media use.
Participants may contact the organizing team to request access to, correction of or deletion of their personal data, subject to applicable legal, contractual, administrative and programme record-keeping requirements.
Participant data will be retained only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including programme administration, reporting, certification, audit, legal, safeguarding and alumni engagement purposes, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
The workshop website may use essential cookies, analytics or similar technologies to operate the website, improve user experience and understand engagement. Where required, cookie notices, consent options or privacy information should be provided on the website.
Participants can contact the organizing team using the official email address listed on the website for questions about privacy, consent, communications or data-related requests.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities, email partnerships@empowerswiss.org. Sponsors may support scholarships, participant access, learning activities, expert engagement, networking, communication or broader programme delivery.
Yes. Universities, academic institutions, student associations, public health associations, NGOs, foundations, development organizations, hospitals, healthcare organizations, innovation hubs, pharmaceutical, biotech, MedTech and digital health organizations may collaborate in different ways depending on alignment and capacity.
Partners may support participant outreach, nominations, speakers, mentors, site visits, exposure sessions, scholarships, sponsorships, institutional visibility, technical expertise, challenge themes or post-workshop career support.
Yes. Partner institutions may nominate suitable students or young professionals. Nominated participants must still complete the registration process and meet the programme criteria.
Depending on the scope of collaboration, partners may receive visibility through the website, brochure, communication materials, social media, event acknowledgements, session materials or certificates, subject to agreed branding and approval guidelines.
A formal agreement, MoU, letter of collaboration or sponsorship agreement may be required depending on the nature of the collaboration, use of logos, funding, data sharing, speaker participation, site visits or institutional commitments.
Stay informed by following Empower School of Health on social media, subscribing to the newsletter and regularly visiting the event website for updates.
For any inquiries, participants and partners may contact the workshop officers listed below:
- Mr. Luca Wunderlich | Project Officer | United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) | luca.wunderlich@unitar.org
- Dr. Shyamli Thakur | Coordinator - Projects & Partnerships | Empower School of Health, Geneva | partnerships@empowerswiss.org
- Mr. Daniel Nazarov | Senior Program Coordinator | United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) | daniel.nazarov@unitar.org