Following the successful instalment of 5 WHO European Public Health Leadership Courses from 2022 to 2024, WHO/Europe – through its Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety and in collaboration with the University of West Attica School of Public Health in Athens, Greece – is organizing the sixth Course, to be held in November 2025 in Athens.
About the WHO European Public Health Leadership Course 2025
In response to an evolving global health landscape, this year’s Course will focus on improving leadership competencies around public health themes aligned with the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2).
The Course will be delivered in a blended format, combining online and in-person learning. It will begin with self-paced sessions followed by online lectures and group work (3–7 November), and will culminate with the core sessions delivered during a residential week in Athens (10–14 November). Designed for mid-career and senior professionals in public health and related fields, it will bring together participants nominated by Member States and institutions across the WHO European Region.
With over 200 alumni from more than 50 countries and 3 WHO regions, the Course is fostering a dynamic and growing leadership network.
Why a course on public health leadership?
Countries worldwide are navigating an increasingly complex landscape of public health challenges. Evidence and technical expertise are needed to effectively address these challenges, but just as essential is innovative and value-driven leadership. Public health leaders must be able to comprehend the conditions needed for population health, and how to achieve and sustain them.
The WHO European Public Health Leadership Courses are designed to strengthen the leadership competencies of public health professionals and empower leaders with public health concepts. Through an intensive exploration of global, regional and local health challenges, the programme cultivates leadership rooted in deep knowledge, broad vision and strong commitment.
Participants learn emerging concepts in public health, acquire communication and negotiation skills, improve their leadership and collaboration competencies, and become members of a growing community of leaders committed to transforming public health across Europe and beyond.