UICC Young Leaders start their journey at the 2017 World Cancer Leaders Summit

The Young Leaders Programme, UICC’s flagship initiative to nurture young professionals to become successful leaders in cancer control, started in earnest at the 2017 World Cancer Leaders Summit in Mexico City. The seven awardees, selected earlier in September from over 70 applications, were welcomed in Mexico by three past young leaders, tasked to help them navigate the hectic schedule of the Summit, and benefited from invaluable opportunities to network with key decision makers from across the cancer control landscape. 

UICC’s President, Board members, CEO and representatives from Roche, our partner in the initiative, greeted the young leaders at a close session before the Summit. 

“To meet the challenges we have set ourselves to control cancer and the wider non-communicable diseases by 2025, 2030 and beyond, it is essential we support a new generation of ambitious cancer professionals to take up the baton of leadership from those currently at the top”, said Dr Cary Adams, Chief Executive of UICC.

“Previous participants in the programme have become established figures in cancer control, occupying key roles at WHO, in government and across civil society, and have shown incredible team spirit in initiating collaborations and joint projects. We wish the current cohort all the best as they embark on this journey”, said Sanchia Aranda, President of UICC.

The Summit marked the start of a year-long programme for the seven awardees. In the next 12 months they will be supported in developing and undertaking a regional activity, which aligns with their interests and expertise, with the aim to initiate significant regional collaborations. The programme will then formally conclude at the World Cancer Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Young Leaders will have the opportunity to share lessons learnt through a dedicated session.

“The way UICC encourages and values the Young Leaders and the possibilities for joint efforts with and support from the cancer control global community are inspiring to continue in the fight against childhood cancer. I feel now with a lot of responsibility!”, said Roberta Costa Marques, Executive Director of Instituto Desiderata and one of the 2017 Young Leader.

Read testimonials of Young Leaders from past programmes.

The UICC Young Leaders Programme is supported by Roche.