Organized by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and hosted at Campus Biotech of the University of Geneva, the 13th Youth Pre-World Health Assembly session titled “What next after expiration? Global strategy on digital health 2020–2025 “brought together more than 60 IFMSA members (mostly medical students) in-person and online. The event featured presentations by the?Head of the Capacity Building and Policy Unit (CBP)?and the?Technical Lead of the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) from the Department of Digital Health and Innovation in WHO Headquarters and the Research and Policy Coordinator from DTH Lab in Geneva, Switzerland.

Discussions included the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 which through its?four strategic objectives, seeks to align countries and stakeholders through collaboration and knowledge exchange, advance the implementation of national digital health strategies, strengthen governance for digital health and global, regional and national level, and advocate for people-centered health systems.

Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping digital health, the event highlighted tools from the Transformation Toolbox such as the forthcoming?Global Digital Health Competency Framework, set for release at the?UN General Assembly in September 2025. This framework will define essential digital health competencies for health workers, policymakers, planners and even citizens, acting as a reference guide for example training and continuous education to ensure consistency in digital health competencies around the world. Participants were encouraged to engage with GIDH, either through application for institutional membership or nomination to its Steering Committee, ensuring youth perspectives influence the activities and priorities of GIDH.

Speakers and participants reinforced the need for?collaboration, governance, and inclusive capacity-building. The insights from this Pre-WHA assembly will help inform IFMSA’s and WHO’s continued engagement — working towards ensuring that the implementation of digital health technologies is equitable, safe, and effective for all.