NextGenHealth: Youth at the Core of MENA’s Health Transformation

The second edition of our global health system roundtable panel series marked another significant milestone in Health Services Management Centre Dubai (HSMC) Dubai journey.

The theme of NextGenHealth: Youth Leadership in Workforce, Governance, and Emergency Preparedness Across MENA was led by guest contributors including a youth panellist to facilitate conversation about future generations of health system transformation in the MENA region.

In the current context of turbulent global health challenges and polycrisis, one of the key developments is the youth demographic. The trend is especially evident in the MENA region, where more than 60% of the population is under 30 years old. As countries seek to restructure and upgrade their health systems, harnessing the potential of the youth has never been more critical.

The session brought in valuable insights through discussion and engagement with 3 key thematic areas of health workforce development, health systems governance and emergency preparedness, response and resilience.

The reflections on these domains brought forward the concept of ‘ARISE’:  a youth focused approach to leading and transforming current and future health systems:-

A – Amplify Youth Inclusivity and Opportunities

While significant efforts have been made to bridge critical gaps in workforce capacity, many young professionals continue to face paradoxical challenges. Despite possessing high levels of motivation and skills required to address these issues, they still struggle to access meaningful opportunities. There is an imminent need for systems that effectively recognise their potential not just as learners but as active contributors in decision-making processes, especially for health workforce planning and governance.

R – Reimagine Health Workforce Training

The future of health lies in interdisciplinary collaboration and embracing digital innovation. It is a call for redesigning outdated training models to make it more responsive to emergent challenges, while leveraging the current generation’s fluency with digital technology and artificial intelligence. Provision of structured platforms, mentorship programs and opportunities help better prepare the youth for future-ready health careers.

I – Invest in Youth Influence

From pandemic response to mental health mobilization, youth have already proven their diligence in stepping up even when health systems were tested beyond their limits. This further reinforces that the voices of the youth are not just for the future but also are making impact in the present, actively participating as partners to support the shaping of resilient health systems. Now it’s time to embed that leadership structurally— by funding youth-led initiatives with long-term support and integrating their contributions into formal preparedness planning measures.

S – Strengthen Cross-Border Partnerships

The MENA region’s diversity is a strength. It becomes crucial to unify the efforts of youth across borders, which includes building sustainable platforms that go beyond mere symbolic inclusion and supports youth from various countries to co-develop scalable, regionally relevant solutions. This facilitates movement from isolated impact to achieve collective transformation.

E – Empower through Equity

Equity means moving past the veil of privilege. It means creating space for youth from marginalised and conflict-affected communities to lead and not just participate. By investing in targeted support mechanisms and creation of safe, representative spaces, the youth are equipped to lead with authenticity and insight. This supports the notion that leadership must be representative and not selective.

Concluding Remarks

The NextGenHealth roundtable reaffirmed our belief that youth are not just beneficiaries of health systems—they are architects of the future. They are transforming the narrative on what it means to contribute and belong to dynamic health systems.

With the right support and investments in their leadership, we strengthen the crisis readiness and sustainability of health systems across MENA. HSMC Dubai remains committed to anchoring this movement—through research, education, and inclusive dialogue, as we ARISE together for a future where youth leadership in global health challenges the norms.