For five College of Health undergraduates, global health policy did not stay in the classroom — it became real during an immersive Global Model WHO (World Health Organization) simulation at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. In late 2025, students translated their classroom studies into hands-on diplomacy through a study abroad opportunity led by Krista Liguori, assistant professor in the department of community and global health and the Office of International Affairs.
View the Student Vlogs from the Trip: Vlog 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Liguori teaches the College of Health’s Global Model WHO CGH 324 course, which includes travel to Geneva for this major in-person simulation event as part of the course. Offering hands-on learning opportunities that bring classroom learning to life is central to a College of Health education.
“Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in this course with embedded study abroad will study, learn, train, prep and experience the world’s most accurate World Health Assembly (WHA) simulation, led by the World Health Organization. The Global Model WHO takes place each fall at WHO headquarters, bringing together students, staff and faculty from across the globe to discuss topics of emerging importance in global health,” explained Liguori.
Her course explores the role of international health organizations in improving global health, including historical context, health policy, global health programming and funding mechanisms.
“This program is a unique opportunity for students to really understand what it means to work in global health policy,” continued Liguori. “The simulation is designed to be extraordinarily accurate to the real World Health Assembly, which brings together high-level diplomats, health experts and policy advisors who must represent their nation and/or region during negotiations on global health policy.”
Junior Anika Ekanayake ’27, a population health major, recently developed a strong interest in global health and international affairs, and thought this simulation would provide the perfect opportunity to explore both fields in a hands-on and collaborative way.
Ekanayake’s committee focused on the topic of Fostering Connection for Global Health. “I represented Ghana, a country that recognizes the importance of social connection as a foundation for community well-being,” she said. “In many Ghanaian communities, strong social bonds are rooted in traditions of collective responsibility, extended family networks and communal care, values that help protect against isolation and health inequities.”
“Throughout the week we kept hearing emphasis on the word “consensus,” she continued. “It wasn’t about pushing a single nation’s agenda but about negotiating, listening and finding common ground.” The experience helped her to realize how much she values working in spaces where public health meets policy, reaffirming that she is on the right academic path.
Julie Wright ’26, a senior community and global health major with a minor in environmental studies, also served on the Fostering Social Connection for Global Health committee, serving as the delegate of Hungary. At Lehigh, Wright has studied social connection and its relationship with disability health equity, and she enjoyed exploring this health issue through the lens of diplomacy and global health policy.
“In the conference, we all amended a draft resolution for what member states should do to promote social connection in their countries,” she said. “I was able to use knowledge I learned from my classes and research about social connection and sociality to navigate the draft resolution, and the experience confirmed to me that social connection is a health issue that I want to focus on throughout my career.”
For senior Rhema Hooper ’26, a community and global health major with a minor in molecular biology, the trip provided an opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the WHO and the World Health Assembly, as well as a global perspective of medicine. She took on a large leadership role during the delegations, representing Saudi Arabia while split up into regional groups, but also representing the entire Eastern Mediterranean region at times. By listening to each of the arguments from the different countries, strategizing and bringing opposing groups together to reach consensus, Hooper gained a deeper understanding of diplomacy for global policy.
She also gained knowledge and experience to support her future career goals.
“My ultimate goal is to practice medicine as a doctor in the Middle East, primarily in Central Asia/Middle East area refugee camp zones or conflict zones,” she said. Her time in Geneva “showed me what my career could look like and will prospectively look like both as a doctor and a public health policy advocate.”
Reflecting on the trip, Liguori shared, “I enjoyed watching each student find their role amongst their regional groups and find their footing as a representation to their assigned country. My favorite part was seeing how they made connections with other students, forming bonds and friendships as the week went on. I hope to work with another excellent, motivated group of students next year for the fall 2026 program!”
