Are you an emerging global health professional passionate about shaping health systems, influencing policy, and amplifying underrepresented voices in global health debates? The Emerging Voices for Global Health (EV4GH) 2026 program is now accepting applications for its next cohort, linked to the 9th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR 2026), scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in November 2026.
This prestigious global health leadership and capacity-building initiative offers early- and mid-career professionals a unique opportunity to strengthen their voice, expand their networks, and actively participate in one of the world’s most influential health systems research platforms.
About Emerging Voices for Global Health (EV4GH)
Emerging Voices for Global Health (EV4GH) is a globally recognized, multi-partner, blended training program designed for promising and emerging health policy and systems researchers, decision-makers, implementers, knowledge brokers, journalists, and other health system actors. The program aims to empower participants—known as Emerging Voices (EVs)—to become influential contributors to global and local health debates and change-makers within their own contexts.
EV4GH focuses on coaching participants to confidently engage in scientific and policy discussions, contribute to reform-oriented solutions, and challenge dominant narratives in global health. The program is managed by an internationally representative governance committee made up largely of EV alumni, along with liaison members from partner institutions. EV4GH has been a Thematic Working Group (TWG) of Health Systems Global (HSG) since 2015 and was reconfirmed in 2021 and 2025.
Originally initiated by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, EV4GH has evolved into an alumni- and partner-driven initiative with a strong commitment to empowering professionals from the Global South. Since its launch in 2010, eight EV4GH programs have been organized alongside major international and regional health events. To date, 365 Emerging Voices from over 70 countries have participated, many of whom now hold leadership roles nationally, regionally, and globally.
What Is the EV4GH 2026 Venture?
The EV4GH 2026 venture seeks to expand the global EV network by welcoming a new cohort of Emerging Voices, with a particular emphasis on historically underrepresented countries and regions. The 2026 edition comes at a critical time for global health, as overlapping crises continue to challenge existing systems, deepen inequities, and expose the limits of conventional expertise.
EV4GH 2026 is looking for applicants with diverse disciplinary and experiential backgrounds who bring grounded, context-sensitive perspectives and are willing to question prevailing assumptions in order to reimagine how global health challenges are framed and addressed.
The venture follows a blended learning format, consisting of:
- A 4-week distance learning phase, and
- A 2-week in-person training phase held in Dubai, immediately before HSR 2026.
Participants will engage in innovative learning activities focused on leadership, power dynamics, policy engagement, communication, and solution-oriented thinking. Beyond the training, EVs become part of a vibrant global alumni network and gain long-term access to Health Systems Global thematic working groups.
What Does EV4GH 2026 Offer Participants?
Selected participants will benefit from:
- A structured space for critical discussions on global health reform, power, politics, and equity
- Practical training in leadership, diplomacy, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and communication
- High-level mentorship from leading global health experts
- Access to a global network of 400+ EV alumni and partner institutions
- Attendance at the 9th Global Symposium on Health Systems Research and HSG membership
- Opportunities to present and engage in a pre-conference with senior researchers and policymakers
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1986 and apply through one of two tracks only.
Track 1: Researchers’ Track
For emerging researchers involved in health policy and systems research.
Applicants must:
- Have 2–10 years of work experience
- Hold a Master’s degree in health or a related field, or be enrolled in a doctoral program
- Demonstrate active involvement in health policy and systems research
- Submit one abstract to HSR 2026
Apply for TRACK 1
Track 2: Other Health System Professionals’ Track
For practitioners, policymakers, activists, journalists, and other health system actors.
Applicants must:
- Have 2–10 years of work experience
- Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrate involvement in health systems strengthening, advocacy, implementation, or decision-making
The program is conducted in English, and applicants must have a reasonable command of written and spoken English.
Apply for TRACK 2
Scholarships and Funding
A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. Full scholarships cover:
- Airfare to and from Dubai
- Shared accommodation (twin-share basis)
- Meals and training materials
- Participation in HSR 2026
Scholarships prioritize applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Participants from high-income countries are expected to self-fund.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 20 March 2026 (11:00 pm GMT+6).
For inquiries, contact: ev_secretariat@bracu.ac.bd
Theme of HSR 2026
“Future-Focused Health Systems in a Changing World” If you are ready to elevate your voice, challenge the status quo, and contribute meaningfully to the future of global health, EV4GH 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss.
Opportunities for Women
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