A plataforma CMS Model WHO 2025 took place on 21st and 22nd of June at Católica Medical School (CMS). This marked the first-ever Model WHO conference in Portugal, and the Católica Luz Clinical Academic Centre (CAC-CL) was proud to be the main partner of this pioneering event.
The CMS Model WHO is a simulation conducted entirely in English, offering university students from around the world a unique opportunity to engage in an authentic World Health Assembly experience. The conference followed official United Nations protocols, and included training workshops and expert briefings, made possible through the collaboration between UNA Portugal (a member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations – WFUNA), CMS, and the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP).
The opening ceremony featured several distinguished guests:Beatriz Ferreira, Director of Governing Bodies, addressed the challenges faced by populations currently affected by conflict in Gaza, Yemen, and Ukraine.Francisco Afonso, President of the CMS Model WHO Society, reminded participants that “as medical students, you will want to fight for many causes, but eventually you will have to pick one.”Mário Parra da Silva, Secretary General of UNA Portugal, reinforced the organization’s mission: “The mission is always the same: Help human beings regardless of who, when, or where.”Pedro Mateus, Dean Board Member of CMS, highlighted the importance of the 5 CanMEDs competencies – Professional, Scholar, Medical Expert, Collaborator, Leader, and Health Advocate – as the core framework of medical education at Católica Medical School. Matilde Santos, Director General of the CMS Model WHO Society, inspired the audience by stating: “It is our responsibility to serve humanity with the knowledge we have acquired, regardless of how young and inexperienced we are.”
Finally, Ana Rita Constante, Executive Director of CAC-CL, presented the achievements of the CMS Model WHO Society during its first year of existence. She also emphasized that “CAC-CL’s main objectives include humanising physicians to see beyond symptoms and recognize the whole patient – and to see beyond local practice and embrace global health.”
Beyond the opening session, the first day of the event included four simulation sessions and concluded with a social dinner for all participants. The second and final day featured two additional simulation sessions, followed by a plenary session, a placard signing ceremony, the closing ceremony, and an after-party at Quiosque Lisboa in Saldanha.
The participation of CAC-CL in this event reflects its commitment to fostering the next generation of global health professionals and its awareness of the critical role that Model United Nations and Model WHO conferences play in shaping well-rounded, socially conscious healthcare providers.
