2013-14 IFGH International Conference: Call for expressions of interest

Who we are

The Irish Forum for Global Health is an independent network of people from many backgrounds who are concerned with issues that impact on the health and development of populations at a global level, but with a particular commitment to populations in low income countries.  Established in 2004, it continues to welcome individuals interested in and committed to promoting global health related education, research and advocacy. In 2011, the Forum brings together a large number of like-minded people, coming from different organisational backgrounds and committed and working together for global health.

The Forum not only provides the opportunity for those in Ireland to link and develop opportunities with each other, but also provides the opportunity for international linkages. As a member-based Forum, it seeks to be inclusive and respond to the needs of its members by providing opportunities for learning and action in the areas of global health research, education and related policy and advocacy.  The strategic objectives of IFGH are to:

1. Build capacity to engage in global health through increased knowledge and skills
2. Facilitate collaboration in global health activities by members and their organisations
3. Increase coherence of Ireland’s response to global health needs and issues
4. Strengthen the capacity of the Forum to be effective, efficient and accountable

About past Conferences

Since 2004, IFGH has hosted an International Conference, firstly every two years and now a yearly event.  Historically the IFGH Conference is co-hosted together with another organisation (s).  This has included, National University of Ireland, Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Dublin City University and more recently with Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Inviting expressions of interest

This year we would like to invite organisations and institutions to express their interest in becoming a co-hosting organisation for the 2013 or 2014 IFGH International Conferences, which would then be jointly organised by IFGH and the selected organisation. The theme will be agreed by IFGH with the hosting institution (s) and should be relevant to global health. The theme proposed could be broad, focused on an overarching issue within global health, or specific. We are open to new ideas and innovative approaches to global health. However, it must have appeal to as many members as possible. Interested organisations should take into consideration that the conference:

• should be inclusive of all sectors
• should reflect a balance of practice and research
• should have an abstract-driven process for selection of presentations/papers
• should aim to interest new stakeholders in global health

All regions of Ireland are welcome to express their interest and we welcome submissions from academic institutions, NGOs, private sector and foundations.

Expressions of interest should:

• be no more than 3-5 pages long
• outline possible themes
• clearly state how it would contribute to IFGH strategic objectives
• highlight which groups and sectors the Conference would aim to attract
• demonstrate how the conference intends to generate funding
• describe how the conference will be supported administratively

Send your expression of interest to:

Nadine Ferris France, Operations Director,
IFGH: [email protected]

Before 20 July 2012

For details of the IFGH 2012 conference, please see: http://www.globalhealth.ie/index.php?i=335