71st Session of WHO Europe regional commitee

MARCH MEETING 2022

Text: Rahel Laager | Vice-President for Global Affairs 21/22

Between the 1st and 7th of March 2022 the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations) General Assembly March Meeting took place as a hybrid event in Ohrid, North Macedonia. swimsa was represented by 8 in-person and 1 online delegate. The prior experience within swimsa and the IFMSA of the delegates varied largely with some only just getting to know swimsa. This was the first in-person meeting to take place since the beginning of the pandemic, so expectations but also the anticipation was high! The swimsa delegation prepared tirelessly by reading many documents to be adopted during the meeting but also by stocking up on tons of chocolate (only one of the reasons Swiss delegations are so looked up to), buying matching wear and preparing a Swiss-themed dance for the culture show. In addition to being present in all 6 Standing Committees (Public Health, Human Rights and Peace, Professional Exchange, Research Exchange, Medical Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS), the swimsa delegation participated actively in all decision making on the level of the Federation by writing and supporting statements, submitting questions to the candidates and attending all presidents’ sessions and plenaries. If you are new to the world of swimsa and IFMSA and do not know what this means exactly, let’s just say we did what the Swiss do best - executed our rights as active members of the international medical community and shaped the organization further with our input. During the March Meeting the IFMSA EB (Executive Board) 22/23 was elected, IFMSA gained 2 new members (from Armenia and Libya), 10 Policy Documents, 6 Memoranda of Understanding and 30 reports were accepted. After lengthy discussions 33 Bylaws Change Proposals were voted upon and 32 of them were incorporated into the Bylaws to make them more coherent and sustainable. No wonder discussions sometimes lasted until deep into the night and the social programme only started after midnight. During the National Food and Drinks Party, swimsa proudly prepared Raclette, Rivella and chocolate for delegates from other NMOs (National Member Organizations) to try and was frequently complimented on hosting the best table (no wonder, did you see the amount of chocolate?!). Last but definitely not least, we were very proud to have a swimsa member participating in the plenary team and act as Vice-Chairperson, an incredible honor. Does participating at an international meeting like this one sound like something you would like to experience? General Assemblies take place twice a year, in March and August. The call for participants to the August Meeting will start in April so stay tuned and make sure to follow us on social media or contact the VPG (vpg@swimsa. ch) for more information!