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04/03/2024

On this International Youth Day, we celebrate the unwavering commitment of young people to shaping a better future for our planet, promoting health, and fostering well-being for all.

WHO recognizes the invaluable contributions that young people are making to advance health initiatives, foster innovation, and drive positive change in their communities, nationally and globally. WHO involves youth as partners and stakeholders in its work. This year WHO initiated several youth-led initiatives such as the WHO Youth Council, the Global Model WHO and the Youth Delegate Program.

Engaging youth in WHO’s work
The WHO Youth Council with 22 members representing 22 youth organizations have been working over the past year on topics such as mental health, noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, climate change and health, youth leading for health and the pandemic accord. A space has been created for young people to provide advice and interact with the WHO technical departments, the WHO Director-General and WHO senior leadership.

The first virtual Global Model WHO was held in February providing a student-led simulation of the World Health Assembly (WHA) to high school and university students from all over the world and from different academic disciplines. Youth delegates learned how decisions are made at the WHA by negotiating resolutions on WHA topics. Over 30 side events were organized on a variety of health topics. 250 young people from over 40 countries, worked together, addressing the most pressing global health challenges in 8 Committee A simulations and reaching consensus on all 8 resolutions.

The Youth Delegate Program provides the opportunity for young people to be part of a Member State official delegation and to be at the forefront, as torchbearers and partners in decision-making. When the world’s leaders agreed on the 2030 Agenda, they recognized that “the future of humanity and of our planet … lies …. In the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations.”

Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World
The theme of International Youth Day 2023, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World," resonates profoundly with WHO’s mission. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health and our environment, WHO sees young people as indispensable allies in the global journey towards a healthier, resilient and more sustainable future. Young people are in a prime position to innovate, adapt, and lead solutions for the intertwined challenges of health and the environment.

On this International Youth Day, we celebrate not only youth's passion and commitment, but also their capability to bring solutions our world needs. This day serves as a powerful reminder, including to those in leadership positions that can empower young people, of the essential role that our youth play in driving change, keep inspiring hope, and keep shaping the world towards a healthier, greener and more equitable future.