WHO Global Youth Competition 2026: How to Apply
Got 90 seconds and a creative idea? You could get your work featured by the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO has opened its Global Youth Competition 2026, inviting students and young professionals to create a short video about preventing and controlling respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19.
You don't need to make a documentary. Your entry can be a reel, animation, interview, poem, dialogue or another creative format — and the video can be just 90 seconds long.
The deadline is September 13, 2026 at 23:45 CEST.
Organizer: World Health Organization (WHO)
Status: Applications Open
Age: 18–35 years
Eligible: Students & young professionals
Entry: Short video
Maximum Length: 90 seconds
Team Entry: Allowed
Language: Any language + English subtitles
Deadline: September 13, 2026 — 23:45 CEST
Winner Announcement: October 2026
What Is the WHO Global Youth Competition 2026?
The competition gives young people a chance to use creativity instead of writing another long application essay.
The challenge is simple: create a short video showing how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory infections such as seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
The official competition theme is based around one central question: How do you shield your circle from respiratory infections?
Who Can Participate?
You can participate if you are a student or young professional between 18 and 35 years old.
You can create your entry independently or work as part of a team.
WHO also allows participants to submit up to three videos, giving you room to explore more than one idea.
What Should Your Video Be About?
Your video needs to answer at least one of three competition prompts.
1. Protecting Vulnerable People
Who needs additional protection from influenza or COVID-19? How can vulnerable people protect themselves, and why does it matter?
2. Responding to Doubts
How would you respond to someone in your community who has doubts about influenza or COVID-19 prevention and control?
3. Fighting Myths and Misinformation
What myths are circulating in your community, and how would you address them using clear and accurate information?
You Don't Need Expensive Equipment
This is where the competition gets interesting.
WHO isn't restricting participants to one video style. Your submission could use:
- Short-form storytelling
- Interview format
- Social-media reel
- Animation
- Drawings
- Poetry
- Dialogue
- Another original creative format
A clear idea and strong storytelling can matter more than complicated production.
Video Rules You Should Know
Before you start filming, keep these requirements in mind:
- Your video must be no longer than 90 seconds.
- You must answer at least one official competition prompt.
- You can submit up to three videos.
- Your video can be created in any language.
- Every video must include English subtitles.
- People appearing in the video must consent to appearing.
- Filmed individuals must be over 18 years old.
Can You Use AI?
Yes, but don't hide it.
WHO states that if artificial intelligence is used to generate any portion of your submission, you must acknowledge its use in the submission form.
So AI can help with parts of your creative process, but transparency is required.
If you use AI-generated images, audio, video or other AI-generated material, disclose it in the application form.
How Will WHO Judge the Videos?
WHO subject-matter experts will review submissions using several criteria.
- Relevance to the competition theme
- Originality and creativity
- Accuracy of health information
- Clarity of the message
- Visual style
- Storytelling quality
- Correct English subtitles
- Potential impact in your community
- Feasibility of sharing the message
This means a visually impressive video with inaccurate information isn't enough. Your health message needs to be both creative and factually accurate.
What Does the Winner Get?
WHO will select one global winning video and may highlight up to six runners-up.
The winning videos will be featured on WHO's competition webpage.
The participant or team behind the global winning video will also:
- Receive a WHO certificate featuring their name(s) and video title
- Be invited to present the video during a global WHO webinar
- Have their work featured on the WHO competition webpage
Note: WHO's official announcement does not list a cash prize for this competition.
How to Apply for WHO Global Youth Competition 2026
Step 1: Pick One Prompt
Don't try to explain everything about influenza and COVID-19 in 90 seconds. Choose one clear problem and build your story around it.
Step 2: Write a Short Script
A simple structure works well:
Problem → Why it matters → What people can do.
Your opening few seconds should make viewers want to keep watching.
Step 3: Create Your Video
Choose the format that fits your idea. It could be an animation, conversation, mini-interview, reel or another creative concept.
Step 4: Verify Your Health Information
This matters. WHO specifically evaluates the accuracy and clarity of health information.
Use reliable health sources rather than viral social-media claims when preparing your script.
Step 5: Add English Subtitles
Even if your video is entirely in English, check the official submission requirements carefully. Videos in other languages must include English subtitles.
Step 6: Complete the Submission Form
You'll also need to explain your motivation, which prompt you selected, how your video addresses it, its potential impact and how it could be shared within your community.
Step 7: Submit Before September 13
All entries must be received through the designated submission form by September 13, 2026 at 23:45 CEST.
3 Video Ideas to Get You Started
Idea 1: The 90-Second Myth Check
Take one common myth about influenza or COVID-19 prevention and turn it into a fast myth-vs-fact video.
Idea 2: Protect Your Circle
Show a small group of friends or family members and demonstrate simple ways people can help protect vulnerable members of their community.
Idea 3: One Conversation That Changes a Mind
Create a short dialogue between someone who doubts prevention measures and another person who responds with clear, accurate information.
How to Make Your Entry Stand Out
Don't waste the first 20 seconds introducing yourself.
Start with the problem.
A surprising question, relatable situation or common myth can give viewers an immediate reason to continue watching.
Then keep the message simple. With only 90 seconds available, one memorable idea is usually stronger than ten rushed points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO Global Youth Competition 2026 open?
Yes. Applications are currently open until September 13, 2026 at 23:45 CEST.
What is the age limit?
Participants must be students or young professionals between 18 and 35 years old.
Can I participate with a team?
Yes. Participants can work independently or in teams.
How long can the video be?
Your submission can be a maximum of 90 seconds.
Can I submit more than one video?
Yes. Participants can submit up to three videos.
Does the video have to be in English?
No. Videos can be created in any language, but they must include English subtitles.
Can I use AI to create my video?
AI-generated material can be used, but any use of AI must be acknowledged in the submission form.
Is there a cash prize?
WHO's official competition announcement does not list a cash prize. The global winner receives recognition, a WHO certificate, a feature on the competition webpage and an invitation to present during a global webinar.
Final Takeaway
The WHO Global Youth Competition 2026 is a refreshingly simple opportunity: take an important health message and communicate it creatively in no more than 90 seconds.
If you're between 18 and 35 and enjoy video creation, storytelling, animation, public health or social-impact projects, this is worth checking out.
Just don't leave it until the final evening. The submission deadline is September 13, 2026 at 23:45 CEST.
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