A powerful wave of youth energy is reshaping the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). Young leaders worldwide are rising to the challenge, and this December, the spotlight turns to them. The World Health Organization (WHO) is hosting the Global #ENDTB Youth Townhall, a vibrant virtual event dedicated to accelerating the TB response through the passion, innovation, and leadership of young people.
Mark your calendar: 12 December 2025, from 12:30 to 15:00 CET. This isn’t just another online meeting—it’s a global movement in action.
Youth at the heart of change
Across continents, youth are driving progress in ending TB through creative activism, research, and community engagement. They are not waiting for the future—they’re creating it. Through the WHO 1+1 Global Youth Initiative to End TB, over 90,000 young changemakers have already joined forces to strengthen the TB response. From digital campaigns to advocacy projects, their innovative ideas are proving that fresh voices can spark real transformation.
What to expect from the Townhall
This dynamic event will be a youth-focused platform for dialogue and action—a space where emerging leaders can share real stories, exchange bold ideas, and co-design strategies to protect and advance the global TB response. In an era of shrinking resources and competing global priorities, the drive and creativity of young people have never been more essential.
The Townhall will feature interactive discussions, inspiring reflections, and live storytelling. WHO’s Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs, will open the session. Among the speakers are young TB survivors, passionate youth advocates, medical students, researchers, and other young professionals who are pioneering new paths in health leadership.
How to join
Participation is open to anyone committed to ending TB—whether you’re young or simply young at heart. The event particularly welcomes youth networks, TB-affected communities, students, and activists eager to make their voices heard. Once registered, attendees will receive a connection link to join the virtual Townhall.
You can also download the event flyer here and help spread the message on social media.
But here’s where it gets interesting: while governments and organizations continue to pledge commitment to ending TB, are they truly empowering the youth leading this movement? Could the next breakthrough come not from policy rooms but from young innovators in local communities? That’s the conversation this Townhall aims to spark.
So—what do you think? Should the global TB response put more trust (and resources) in the hands of youth leaders? Share your thoughts and be part of this evolving discussion.
