Training Course on Health Without Borders: Global Diplomacy And Crisis Management Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to Global Health Diplomacy and Crisis Management
Learning Objectives:
Define global health diplomacy and its link with international crisis management.
Explore the role of health in foreign policy and international relations.
Subtopics:
Evolution of global health diplomacy (from smallpox eradication to COVID-19)
Key actors: WHO, UN, NGOs, regional blocs, and bilateral partnerships
Health as a driver of soft power and foreign policy
Challenges of diplomacy during health crises (political, economic, cultural)
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: WHO’s coordination role during COVID-19 and international negotiations on vaccine equity
Exercise: Mapping stakeholders in a cross-border outbreak response

Module 2: International Frameworks and Cross-Border Health Cooperation
Learning Objectives:
Examine legal and institutional frameworks guiding international health crisis management.
Understand mechanisms for cross-border surveillance and cooperation.
Subtopics:
WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and global health security
The role of regional organizations (African Union, EU, ASEAN) in crisis response
Global compacts and agreements: COVAX, Pandemic Accord negotiations
Cross-border disease surveillance, data sharing, and coordination
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (multi-country cooperation)
Workshop: Designing a regional cooperation strategy for pandemic preparedness

Module 3: Diplomacy, Negotiation, and Advocacy in Health Crises
Learning Objectives:
Apply negotiation and advocacy skills in global health diplomacy.
Resolve conflicts and align competing interests during crises.
Subtopics:
Diplomatic negotiation techniques in crisis contexts
Advocacy for resource allocation and equitable access (vaccines, medicines)
Conflict-sensitive approaches to diplomacy in fragile states
Role of health attachés and envoys in crisis negotiations
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Vaccine diplomacy during COVID-19 between high- and low-income countries
Simulation: Negotiating vaccine access between multiple stakeholders

Module 4: Coordinating Multi-Country Crisis Responses
Learning Objectives:
Manage multi-country responses to pandemics and humanitarian health crises.
Strengthen global solidarity and coordination frameworks.
Subtopics:
Coordinating humanitarian assistance across borders
Role of international donors, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations
Crisis communication at international and diplomatic levels
Building coalitions and partnerships in times of crisis
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Cross-border response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Simulation: Managing an international coordination meeting during a global health emergency

Module 5: Building Global Health Resilience and Future Preparedness
Learning Objectives:
Develop strategies for global health diplomacy beyond crisis response.
Foster resilience and solidarity in future international health cooperation.
Subtopics:
Lessons learned from pandemics, disasters, and conflicts
Institutionalizing resilience in global health systems
Role of technology, innovation, and AI in global health cooperation
Future of global health diplomacy in an era of geopolitical shifts
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Pandemic Treaty negotiations and debates on global equity
Capstone Project: Designing a global diplomacy and crisis management framework for participants’ regions