The William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health successfully implemented another installment of its youth-powered Global Health Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator (GHLAA), a hybrid program held in the two weeks leading up to the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP), with in-person sessions from October 27–31, 2025. Designed for young and mid-career global health professionals, the GHLAA equips participants working in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) with practical leadership and advocacy tools to drive lasting change.
Building on the legacy of WHGI’s Leadership Accelerators, which have trained nearly 600 professionals from 71 countries, GHLAA blends peer learning, mentorship, and hands-on training. Its updated curriculum features SMART advocacy, a results-driven framework that helps participants craft strategic campaigns and identify policy windows.
The program begins with a virtual “training of trainers,” where seasoned facilitators prepare Accelerator alumni to lead sessions and mentor new participants. This is followed by a week of online training for the 2025 trainee cohort—25 emerging leaders representing 16 countries across four continents. Throughout both the virtual and in-person phases, participants strengthened their skills in planning, communication, policy analysis, and team leadership through applied exercises and real-time feedback.
During the in-person workshop, participants developed and refined advocacy pitches grounded in the SMART advocacy approach. A select group then presented their pitches on November 2 at the ICFP Youth Summit, gaining valuable experience sharing solutions with a global audience.
Alumni of this accelerator don’t just leave with a certificate—they return home as empowered advocates, ready to lead SRHR movements, shape policy, and mentor the next generation of leaders.
The William H. Gates Sr. Institute expresses sincere appreciation to the trainers, alumni facilitators, and participants whose leadership and collaboration made this year’s Accelerator a success. Their collective efforts advance the Institute’s mission to build the next generation of SRHR advocates.
