Global health leaders gather at SSE masterclass to bridge health and politics
Over five intensive days, participants explored how to navigate political processes, build trust, take strategic risks, and lead in complex environments. The program combines five online workshops with a week-long, in-person masterclass and is tailored for experienced professionals in global health, diplomacy and policy.
From insight to action: lessons from world-class leaders
The faculty included leading voices in health, diplomacy and climate:
- Christian Danielsson, State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs
- Elhadj As Sy, Chair of the Board, Kofi Annan Foundation; former Secretary General, International Red Cross Federation
- Johan Rockström, Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; Professor in Earth System Science
- Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary, African Leaders Malaria Alliance; former Minister of Health, Botswana
- Magda Robalo, President and co-founder, Institute for Global Health and Development; former Minister of Health, Guinea-Bissau
- Mark Dybul, Professor, Georgetown University; former Executive Director, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Some of the reflections shared during the week were: “Seek windows of opportunity,” “Making a decision is the most important decision,” “I did not have the experience but I still did it,” and “Ground your actions in your values - especially when challenges arise.”
Fellows and Faculty members 2025
Training the next generation of health diplomats
The program's practitioner-to-practitioner model emphasizes discussion, critical reflection, and peer learning over traditional lectures. Fellows examine real-world cases and explore strategies to influence health outcomes through diplomacy and policy.
The initiative is part of a broader effort that also includes a global network of over 30 institutions and a research component that bridges public health, political science and international relations. It is supported by the Gates Foundation, the Institute of Philanthropy, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
