Shaping Future Health Leaders Through Experiential Learning: Success Stories from the World Health Assembly Simulation (WHA SIM) 2025

The World Health Assembly Simulation (WHA SIM) 2025 conference, held at York University’s Second Student Centre from April 30 to May 1, was a resounding success. Hosted by  the School of Global Health, with support from the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, the event brought together students, experts, and global health leaders to tackle pressing health issues through an immersive simulation patterned after the World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization’s supreme decision-making body held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year's theme, "Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: All for Health, Health for All," focused on uniting global efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance and ensure equitable access to effective treatments for everyone. The conference reflected the values of global collaboration, effective communication, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Over the two-day event, participants engaged in dynamic debates and collaborative sessions, resulting in several key resolutions aimed at preserving life-saving medicines for future generations and enhancing global health resilience. Strategies recommended included public awareness campaigns and community engagement to promote responsible use of antibiotics, implementing a global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance network, and securing commitments from member states to fund implementation of National Action Plans.

To combat AMR, the conference also underscored the need for countries to prioritize adopting evidence-based policies for prudent antibiotic use, and investing in health infrastructure to enhance AMR surveillance and diagnostics, and integrating health services through a One Health approach. Furthermore, fostering international collaboration is essential to advancing AMR prevention and control efforts, ultimately contributing to the development of resilient and equitable health systems worldwide.

Inspiring Guest Speakers

The WHA SIM featured esteemed guest speakers and panelists who provided invaluable insights and inspired participants . Professor Scott J. Weese,  Director at the University of Guelph’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, emphasized the critical importance of preserving life-saving medicines for future generations, stating, "Our ability to combat infectious diseases hinges on the effectiveness of antibiotics. Preserving these life-saving medicines is not just a medical necessity but a moral obligation to future generations." Professor Rebecca King from the University of Leeds, UK, underscored the pivotal role of community engagement in combating AMR, remarking, "Community involvement is essential in the fight against AMR. Empowering local communities can create a grassroots movement that drives sustainable change and awareness."

Professor Bradley Langford of the University of Toronto and Public Health Ontario focused on the  implementation of antimicrobial stewardship, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts across all levels of healthcare. Dr. Arne Ruckert of the Global Strategy Lab’s AMR Policy Accelerator discussed the governance and surveillance of AMR, leveraging the One Health approach to integrate human, animal, and environmental health. Mary Wiktorowicz, a professor of Global Health Governance in the Faculty of Health highlighted the challenges in global and regional stewardship through a political lens and proposed strategies to address them. Camille Horton-Poole, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Public Health Agency of Canada, presented the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Canada’s role in international AMR governance as the closing keynote, emphasizing collaboration, transparency, and accountability. These distinguished speakers collectively emphasized the multifaceted approach required to tackle AMR, from community involvement and stewardship programs to global governance, policy and strategic planning. Their contributions were both enlightening and motivating, setting a clear path forward in the fight against AMR.

Professor A.M. Viens, the Inaugural Director of the School of Global Health and a member of the WHA SIM’s founding team, highlighted;  "Beyond the educational value, the simulation offered participants tangible benefits including networking opportunities with peers and professionals, enhancement of critical communication, and insights into the mechanisms of global health governance".

Professor Karin Page-Cutrara, the Vice Dean of Learning, Teaching and Academic Programs, representing the Dean of the Faculty of Health, set the perfect tone for the event with her welcome remarks and provided a thoughtful conclusion to the WHA SIM. She stated, "Our collective efforts and shared knowledge are the keys to overcoming the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. Together, we can build a healthier future for all.”

Participant Reflections

Participants shared their reflections on the learning process, expressing how the simulation provided them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of global health governance. Many noted that the event was the best experiential education opportunity they had been part of at York University to date. The hands-on experience of navigating complex political landscapes and achieving consensus on international strategies was particularly impactful.

"The World Health Assembly Simulation provided me with a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of global health diplomats and tackle one of the most pressing health crises of our time: antimicrobial resistance," said one participant. Another Member State delegate participant said, ‘’being in this role pushed me out of my comfort zone-speaking, negotiating, and drafting resolutions alongside other brilliant delegates from around the world. I met wonderful, driven people, and walked away not only with new knowledge but with a renewed passion for health diplomacy and systems thinking.”

Another attendee shared, "beyond the educational value, the simulation offered tangible benefits including networking opportunities with peers and professionals, enhancement of critical communication, and insights into the mechanisms of global health governance." A participant also reflected, "Effective solutions to antimicrobial resistance must be inclusive, equitable, and universally implemented. This event underscored that reality."

The WHA SIM 2025 conference saw over 80 participants from various disciplines, and universities come together, representing 25 different countries as delegates. The event featured 12 interactive committee sessions, including debates, negotiations and decision-making, side events, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and resulted in the passing of six key resolutions addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges. Numerous networking opportunities allowed participants to connect with global health professionals and peers. Awards were also won by participants for Best Delegate, Best Collaborator, and Best Position Paper.

What is on the Horizon?

Building on the success of WHA SIM 2025, plans are already underway for next year's event. The School of Global Health, in collaboration with the Dahdaleh Institute, is committed to further enhancing the simulation experience and expanding its reach in alignment with York University’s Academic Plan (UAP) 2020-2026. Future initiatives will focus on fostering resilience and innovation, and equipping future agents of change in global health.

The WHA SIM 2025 conference has set a high standard for experiential learning, empowering tomorrow’s health leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to address real-world challenges. We look forward to welcoming participants to WHA SIM 2026 through a new course offering and continuing this important work.

You may also be interested in...