Health and wellbeing are fundamental to every human being, and all nations should have a shared interest in protecting and promoting health. However, the link between governance, diplomacy, development, political science and public health disciplines and communities is often missing. Learning opportunities exist but are limited and there is currently no established network neither for practitioners nor for institutions.

”The present situation is grim but there is hope when looking back and learning from how past challenges have been tackled. Decisive political will and passionate leaders driving positive change have made a difference. Experiences from the past decades show how successful global health diplomacy and leadership can save lives,” says Anders Nordström, affiliated with Karolinska Institutet and former Swedish ambassador for global health.

New program to educate future leaders

The House of Governance and Public Policy, Stockholm School of Economics, and the Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, are now launching a joint program in International Politics, Leadership and Diplomacy for Health. Set to commence next year, the program aims to foster emerging leaders, with the support of senior figures and financial backing from notable organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Philanthropy, and the Beijer Foundation.

Participants will engage with a network of experts and leaders in the field, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the mechanisms of health diplomacy. The program aims to bridge the gap between governance, international politics and public health, offering practical skills and experiences to complement theoretical knowledge.

"I am very happy that the Stockholm School of Economics and Karolinska Institutet can join forces in offering this program which will equip colleagues with the skills to navigate complex political environments and drive meaningful changes,” says Tobias Alfvén, professor in global health, Karolinska Institutet.

The initiative also includes a comprehensive mapping of existing skills and development opportunities at a global level. This project underscores the commitment to creating a robust network for practitioners and institutions dedicated to health diplomacy and politics, enhancing the ability for global response networks to deal with health crises.

"The world is calling for leaders who can effectively bridge the realms of health and politics. This program is our answer to that call," says Karl Wennberg, Head of the House of Governance and Public Policy. "Together, we are setting a new standard for how global health challenges can be addressed on the international stage."

As part of the program preparation, world-leading experts in diplomacy and global health are invited to a conference taking place at the Matchstick Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 20-21.

For more information, please contact:

Anders Nordström
Senior advisor, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm School of Economics
Email: anders.nordstrom@hhs.se
Tel: +46-76 789 63 33

Karl Wennberg
Professor, Head of House of Governance and Public Policy, SSE
Email: karl.wennberg@hhs.se
Tel: +46-70-510 53 66

For more information, visit our website: Announcing Global Health Diplomacy, Stockholm School of Economics

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

Press contact

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

For more information about the Stockholm School of Economics, please visit hhs.se.