
Global Youth Uniting for Mental Health Awareness
The upcoming International Youth Day on August 9, 2025, will spotlight youth mental health as a critical global issue, with initiatives led by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the Child Mind Institute. In an unprecedented effort, young leaders from around the globe will gather in New York and Brasília to tackle mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents through collaborative platforms.
Breaking Barriers Through Technology
This year’s theme, "Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships," emphasizes the necessity for innovation in mental health care. Eduardo Vasconcelos, Youth Engagement Director at SNF, noted that young advocates are reshaping the conversation around mental health, employing technology-driven solutions to address disparities in care, particularly in low and middle-income countries where 90% of the world’s children reside.
Concrete Actions for System Change
The events scheduled for International Youth Day are not merely discussions but aim to forge actionable strategies that transform experiences into policy changes. Featured panels, including one titled "Beyond the Surface: The Global Mental Health Crisis," will facilitate dialogues on pressing issues like the impacts of pandemics and climate change on mental health.
Research Proposals to Enhance Mental Health Policies
In tandem with these events, two pivotal research papers set to launch will lay the groundwork for enhancing mental health support in schools. The studies elucidate critical knowledge gaps, offering evidence-based insights essential for developing systems that better support mental health among children and adolescents.
Building Networks and Community Support
The AFS Youth Assembly, a foundational body championing youth engagement, anticipates gathering around 700 young leaders from over 100 countries. Their collective experiences and grassroots approaches will be instrumental in advocating for inclusive policies that resonate with actual needs.
Empowerment Through Engagement
Join us in advocating for children's mental health by staying informed and engaging with initiatives that resonate within your community. As we approach International Youth Day, let us support the youth who are redefining our understanding of mental health through their leadership and innovation.
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