ABOUT US
The Ontario Model World Health Organization (OMWHO) conference is an annual event managed through the University of Toronto International Health Program (UTIHP).
The conference is modelled after the WHO’s annual health assembly. We bring together like-minded undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from across Canada to engage with topical global health concerns at a level of realism that is largely absent from global health courses.
At OMWHO, student delegates act as ambassadors to the World Health Organization's annual health assembly. Throughout the three days of the conference, students will have the opportunity to practice their diplomatic, negotiating, and networking skills while gaining deeper insight into the complexity of the World Health Organization.
This platform will give student leaders the space to discover the many factors that shape international health decisions.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL HEALTH
This is your chance to shape the conversation
Introducing the Ontario Model World Health Organization, a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together the most talented and driven professionals in the industry. Explore this site to learn about key speakers, our schedule, useful tips and more.
OMWHO 2020 - CLIMATE CHANGE & GLOBAL HEALTH
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
Climate change impacts environmental and social determinants of health such as clean air, drinking water, food sources and secure shelter (World Health Organization) In the coming decades, climate change is expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year, primarily due to malnutrition, diarrhea and heat stresses.
Droughts and extreme rainfall linked to global warming will impact vulnerable populations the worst, especially those in impoverished or warn-torn countries. (Cooper, Brown and Hochrainer-Stigler). A recent study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2019) has stated that children in developing countries will be the most at-risk population in a future with increased climate shocks. Climate change could slow and reverse the progress made in decreasing rates of stunting and death related to child undernutrition and malnutrition.
By 2030, the direct costs to health are estimated to fall between 2 and 4 billion US dollars per year (World Health Organization). Developing countries and locations with weak health infrastructure will be least likely to cope and respond to the coming health stresses. To best prepare for the future, we must develop appropriate strategies and solutions to this crisis. OMWHO 2020 offers a platform for health-care professionals, students and advocates to discuss their views and ideas regarding climate change and its effects on global health. It’s time we get on board!
OUR TEAM
Director
LILI
Lili is an undergraduate student in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. Lili understands that illness can be a very difficult and devastating experience; she is passionate about making it slightly less so through working with experts in world-class research institutions. Lili is passionate about health-care advocacy and the human story behind medicine, which drove her to OMWHO.
CONFERENCE PLAN -DAY 1
TRINITY COLLEGE - 6 HOSKIN AVENUE
6 PM
OPENING CEREMONY
This exciting three-day learning journey will begin with an opening ceremony.
7 PM
DELEGATE TRAINING SESSION
In this session, the OMWHO team will walk the delegates through exactly what to expect over the next two days. this will be your time to ask questions, brainstorm ideas and set yourself up for success during the next two days!
8 PM
INFORMAL CAUCUS: LOBBYING & MERGING
Time to think about your resolutions!
This is where delegates with resolutions on the same topic could merge their ideas into one (if desired), and practice professionalism through mingling to gather the support of countries for resolution approval prior to commission debate
CONFERENCE PLAN -DAY 2
TORONTO CITY HALL - 100 QUEEN STREET WEST
LIGHT BREAKFAST
Enjoy a light breakfast before starting the day debating!
8 AM
OPENING SPEECH
9 AM
This exciting three day event will open up with an opening speech from an expert and thought-leader who has been analyzing the effects of climate change on the health of people globally.
DEBATE 1
10 AM
Delegates will draft resolutions which will be circulated in the committee. Once the draft resolutions are circulated delegates will enter the debate where they will defend their resolutions while finding weaknesses in the opposing resolutions.
LUNCH
Refuel your brain before finishing up your resolutions!
12 PM
DEBATE 2
1 PM
Reaching a decision is complicated, hence diplomacy is all about reaching a balanced compromise. Hence the debates will be followed by 15 minute breaks where you'll build alliances, amend the resolution as needed, and garner support for your resolution!
AFTERNOON SPEECH
3:15 PM
Enjoy a well deserved break and listen to another phenomenal speech given by an exceptional speaker who is a current champion of global health nursing!
DEBATE 3
4 PM
In this third and final debate delegates will have one final chance to defend their resolutions before the committee members vote and choose the successful resolution.
SOCIAL!
7 PM
After a long and exciting day this will be your time to let loose, and network with fellow delegates and committee chairs!
CONFERENCE PLAN - DAY 3
MUNK SCHOOL OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS - 1 DEVONSHIRE PLACE
9Â AM
CRISIS
World leaders constantly face unforeseen circumstances. These leaders have to swiftly collaborate and develop strategies to tackle emergency situations. At OMWHO delegates will face a similar crisis situation where they will have to collaborate and reach a strategic intervention to mitigate the crisis at hand.
12 PM
BRUNCH
After a hefty debate following the crisis, enjoy this well deserved brunch & break with your fellow delegates!
1 PM
CLOSING REMARKS & AWARDS!
We'll be wrapping up the conference with a final closing ceremony. Delegates who excelled at leading the discussions in their subcommittees will be acknowledged and awarded during this much awaited awards session!
REGISTERED?
Prepare yourself and learn about the next steps!
DELEGATE INFORMATION PACKAGE
Don't know where to begin research?
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The Delegate Information Package is here to give you a quick introduction about this year's conference topics, introduce the subcommittees, and outline the country, NGO or outlet you could choose to represent.
Download this guide to learn more about the topics and commissions:
