June 2026

Switzerland — Bridging Health and Peace: IPPNW at the 79th World Health Assembly

What does global health diplomacy actually look like in practice? For the IPPNW delegation at the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, it looked like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of over 200 side events to make sure youth voices and medical peace work were at the center of the conversation. While member states debated official resolutions inside the Palais des Nations, student representatives and delegates from across the IPPNW network were on the ground proving that peace is a fundamental requirement for public health.

The delegation brought immense energy to high-level panels throughout the week. IPPNW actively contributed to the WHO Global Health and Peace Initiative session at WHO Headquarters and co-organized a major side event with Switzerland and the WFPHA. There, Stella Ziegler delivered a powerful speech on the urgent need for medical peace education, framing the threat of nuclear war as a critical public health issue. From discussing the intersections of climate change and conflict at the MSF International Office to witnessing the launch of the new Lancet Johns Hopkins Commission on Health, Conflict, and Forced Displacement, the week was packed with moments that challenged the traditional boundaries of healthcare.

But the real magic of the WHA happened in between the panels. IPPNW student representatives spent the week building strategic alliances and sharing ideas with peers from the WHO Youth Council, the Junior Doctors Network (JDN), and the IFMSA. It was an inspiring reminder that the next generation of healthcare professionals isn't just waiting for the future, we are actively collaborating across borders right now to advocate for a healthier, safer, and more peaceful world.

Learn more here.

Sudan — Official Launch and Promotional Campaign of SSSR Sudan

SSSR Sudan successfully conducted a promotional campaign to support its official launch as a student organization affiliated with IPPNW.

As part of the campaign, a series of awareness posters introducing SSSR Sudan, its mission, its affiliation with IPPNW, and membership opportunities were shared across social media platforms. The campaign achieved more than 6,000 views on Instagram and helped grow the organization's page to 131 followers.

The campaign culminated in an online launch session held on 25 April 2025 via Google Meet. The event featured invited speakers who shared valuable perspectives on health advocacy, peacebuilding, and the social responsibility of healthcare professionals.

During the session, participants were introduced to SSSR Sudan and IPPNW, learned about the organization's vision and objectives, and explored opportunities for involvement and leadership within the network. The event provided an important platform for engaging medical students interested in promoting peace, health, and social responsibility in Sudan.

The successful launch marks an important step in strengthening student-led health advocacy and expanding IPPNW's presence among future healthcare professionals in Sudan.

Stay tuned for more from the new chapter via Instagram here.

Mongolia — Nuclear War Awareness Education and Public Survey on Nuclear War Knowledge

From March 2026 and continuing to the present, MPPNW has been conducting two major activities aimed at increasing awareness of nuclear war and its humanitarian consequences.

1. Nuclear War Awareness Education for High School Students

We organized educational sessions at several high schools, including the Mongolian-Japanese School, Medical High School, and other public schools. These sessions focused on nuclear war and its catastrophic consequences for human health and the environment.

During the presentations, we discussed the history of nuclear warfare, the effects of radiation on the human body, long-term environmental impacts, and the importance of preventing future nuclear conflicts. Students actively participated by asking questions and engaging in discussions.

We chose to focus on younger generations because many students today have limited knowledge of nuclear war history and its devastating consequences. Educating young people is essential to preserving historical awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.

2. Public Survey on Nuclear War Awareness

We conducted a survey involving 200 participants, including members of the public, medical students, and physicians. The survey assessed awareness of nuclear war and its effects on human health, as well as knowledge of physician-led anti-nuclear organizations such as IPPNW and MPPNW.

The results indicated that physicians generally had greater knowledge of nuclear war and its medical consequences compared with citizens and medical students. Some physicians were also familiar with IPPNW and MPPNW. Importantly, the majority of participants expressed interest in learning more about nuclear weapons, nuclear war, and their humanitarian consequences.

This activity highlighted the continued need for public education and awareness regarding nuclear disarmament and the health impacts of nuclear weapons.

Kenya — Art for Peace Contest and Exhibition

The IPPNW-MSSR University of Nairobi Chapter successfully organized the Art for Peace Contest 2026, a month-long creativity competition held throughout February 2026. Conducted on a university-wide scale, it became the first initiative of its kind organized by an IPPNW student chapter at the University of Nairobi.

Participants expressed their perspectives on peace, health, and well-being through a variety of artistic mediums, including painting, poetry, photography, storytelling, and crochet. The submissions demonstrated remarkable creativity and encouraged meaningful reflection on the relationship between peace and human health.

The contest was followed by a week-long exhibition of the submitted artworks at the Kenyatta National Hospital Campus Library Cloakroom from 9–13 March 2026. Winners were recognized during an awards ceremony on 14 March 2026, which also featured a panel discussion titled “Peace as a Foundation for Health: Youth Resilience in Times of Conflict.”

As part of the campaign, the chapter's co-presidents were invited to speak on a local radio program about the intersection of peace, medicine, and public well-being, further expanding the reach of the initiative.

More than a competition, the Art for Peace campaign created a platform for dialogue, creativity, and community engagement, demonstrating the power of art to promote peace and foster conversations about health and social responsibility.

Watch their radio interview here.

Germany — IPPNW Fundraiser Party

On 16 May 2026, IPPNW Students Berlin organized a fundraising party at the University Student Café ("Zwille") in Berlin.

The evening focused on the current European asylum reform (CEAS) and its impacts on refugees and their health. The event began with an art exhibition, followed by expert presentations on the topic. Afterwards, participants enjoyed live music and DJ sets until the early hours of the morning.

More than 120 guests attended throughout the evening, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, learning, and community engagement. Through the event, approximately €1,000 was raised and donated to one of IPPNW's working groups and another related organization.

The fundraiser successfully combined education, advocacy, art, and music while supporting organizations working on issues related to health, peace, and social responsibility.

USA — Extinction Medicine Reading Group: June and July 2026 Meetings

The Extinction Medicine and Ethics of Human Extinction Reading Group will host two upcoming sessions in June and July 2026, bringing together students, physicians, and researchers to discuss topics related to existential risk, human extinction, and global resilience.

On 20 June 2026, participants will be joined by Dr. Michael Rihs, PhD, who will present his co-authored article, “Apocalypse now: Thoughts about human extinction under mortality salience increase death-thought accessibility but reduce worldview defense,” published in Death Studies. The session will explore Terror Management Theory and its relevance to the work of IPPNW and other organizations addressing global catastrophic risks. A question-and-answer session with Dr. Rihs will follow the presentation.

On 18 July 2026, the group will welcome Dr. SJ Beard, PhD, for a discussion of their new book, Existential Hope: Facing Our Future When the Signs Look Bad. Dr. Beard is a researcher specializing in existential risk, global resilience, and future studies, and has held positions at leading institutions including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. The discussion will explore themes of hope, risk, and long-term human survival in the face of global challenges.

The reading group continues to provide a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue on existential threats, ethics, public health, and the future of humanity.

Students interested in participating can register here.

Kenya — Waste Management Campaign: Protecting Environmental and Public Health

From 11–18 May 2026, the IPPNW-MSSR University of Nairobi Chapter conducted a week-long Waste Management Campaign that connected environmental advocacy with public health action across the University of Nairobi and Nairobi City.

The campaign began with a social media awareness initiative that reached more than 4,000 people and attracted 32 student volunteers from seven different faculties. Activities included a documentary screening on waste pickers at Dandora, which prompted important discussions on environmental justice and the health impacts of waste management.

The campaign culminated in a clean-up walk on 16 May, during which 18 volunteers collected 31 bags of plastic waste along the Upperhill and Chiromo routes while engaging members of the public in conversations about environmental responsibility.

To conclude the week, participants attended a Climate & Health Webinar led by Ms. Itoro Inoyo, exploring the connections between waste management, climate change, and human health.

More than a campaign, the initiative demonstrated that protecting the environment is inseparable from protecting public health and highlighted the important role students can play in advancing sustainable and healthy communities.

Learn more here.

Denmark — Why Peace Belongs in Medical Education: Reflections from the 75th IFMSA General Assembly

The following is remarks from Anna Khouri on her experience at the 75th IFMSA General Assembly:

In March, I had the privilege of representing IPPNW at the 75th General Assembly of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) in Copenhagen, which brought together nearly 900 medical students from over 120 countries.

As IPPNW’s International Student Representative, I facilitated a session on Medical Peace Work, exploring peace not just as a political goal, but as a fundamental public health requirement. In an era of rising conflict and nuclear escalation risks, we discussed the critical role future physicians play in prevention and health advocacy, topics funding members noted are still rarely covered in formal medical curricula.

Another major highlight was running the IPPNW booth at the Student Activity Fair alongside Pauline Gatmaytan from our Geneva Liaison Office. The informal exchanges with passionate students from across the globe were incredibly inspiring and led to wonderful new connections.

The assembly also celebrated IFMSA’s 75th anniversary, featuring closing remarks from Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge (WHO Regional Director for Europe), who emphasized solidarity in protecting global health systems.

I left Copenhagen deeply inspired. If these discussions are any indication, the next generation of physicians is fully ready to stand up for the global conditions—like peace and justice—that make health possible in the first place.

Learn more here.

Asia Regional Gathering: IPPNW Asia Student Meeting Connects Students Across the Region

On 3 April 2026, approximately 20 students from three countries and four affiliates gathered virtually for an IPPNW Asia student meeting organized by IPPNW International Student Representative Namkhai Bayasgalan.

The meeting provided an opportunity for students and representatives from across Asia to get to know one another, introduce their chapters and affiliates, and share recent activities and experiences. Participants discussed ongoing projects in their countries, exchanged ideas, and learned more about the diverse work being carried out by IPPNW students throughout the region.

The open meeting encouraged networking and connection among participants, many of whom were meeting for the first time. Through informal discussions and chapter updates, students were able to build new relationships and explore possibilities for future collaboration.

The gathering helped strengthen connections within the Asian student network and highlighted the value of regular communication and exchange among IPPNW students and affiliates across the region.

USA - Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference

Sofia Vitale, student member of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), attended the 11th Review Conference to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations Headquarters in April. Sofia reflected:

"Walking into a room filled with diplomats, physicians, advocates, students, survivors, and peace leaders from around the world reminded me how deeply interconnected health, peace, education, and policy truly are. Throughout the conference, I witnessed conversations between representatives of nuclear and non-nuclear states while also listening to individuals and communities who have personally experienced the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons. Hearing those stories transformed these discussions from abstract political debates into profound human realities."

Read more from Sofia here.