CMS Model WHO 2026

The Lisbon-based CMS Model WHO Society will host the second edition of CMS Model WHO in collaboration with the United Nations Association Portugal, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, at Católica Medical School from 26–28 June 2026 in Lisbon.

CMS Model WHO 2026 offers a highly accurate simulation of the World Health Assembly, bringing together university students from around the world to engage in global health diplomacy through the official United Nations consensus-based approach. Our partnership with United Nations Association Portugal, a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, ensures the adoption of authentic UN and World Health Organization (WHO) protocols and Rules of Procedure. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to see their work resonate beyond the simulation, with selected outputs shared directly with stakeholders within the WHO ecosystem.

This year’s conference theme, “Reframing the Global Response to Substance Use,” reflects one of the most pressing and complex public health challenges of our time. Substance use remains a leading cause of preventable mortality and societal harm, with alcohol alone responsible for approximately 3 million deaths annually worldwide, while the rapid proliferation of synthetic drugs continues to reshape global drug markets, driving overdose deaths and challenging regulatory and health systems. Within the European Region, these challenges are particularly acute, requiring evidence-based, coordinated, and forward-looking responses grounded in both public health and human rights.

To address this dual burden, the conference will feature two specialized WHO committees:

WHO - Europe: Strengthening Health Systems for Alcohol Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery — in collaboration with the WHO Europe Evidence into Action on Alcohol (EVID-ACTION) Programme, co-funded by the European Union, this committee will focus on translating evidence into policy and strengthening health systems across the European Region.

WHO - Crisis: Countering the Rise of Synthetic Drugs - Public Health Emergency of International Concern — operating in a dynamic, fast-paced setting, this committee will simulate real-time global health emergencies linked to synthetic drugs, challenging delegates to respond to rapidly evolving scenarios, coordinate international action, and make high-stakes policy decisions under pressure.

CMS Model WHO provides students with a unique opportunity to understand the work of the World Health Organizationwhile developing core values essential to global health leadership, including human rights advocacy, diplomacy, collaboration, compassion, integrity, ethical responsibility, and the promotion of peace and professionalism in an increasingly complex world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon 🇵🇹🇺🇳