By Elizabeth Chimobi
The WHO Youth Council has issued an urgent call for greater youth involvement in global health initiatives through its first Youth Declaration on Creating Healthy Societies.
Launched at the World Health Summit in Berlin, the declaration outlines ten critical actions aimed at putting young people at the center of efforts to build healthier and safer communities worldwide.
Developed by young leaders from diverse global organizations, the declaration emphasizes removing barriers to healthcare access, enhancing health and climate change education, and promoting youth leadership in health policy design and implementation.
The Youth Council also calls for creating adaptive learning environments and inclusive healthcare, particularly for marginalized groups.
“The WHO Youth Council is proud to be issuing its first Youth Declaration on Creating Healthy Societies,” said Council member Kate Ndocko. “This declaration represents our collective commitment to help communities, especially youth, become healthier and more resilient in the face of today’s health challenges.”
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the declaration, saying it channels the voices of youth into a powerful movement for change. “WHO is committed to amplifying the voices of young people to realise our shared vision of health for all,” he said.
The declaration addresses pressing global health issues like pandemics, climate change, and misinformation, emphasizing the need for “brave spaces” to protect youth from violence, harassment, and harmful practices.
A Youth Council member from the Act4Food campaign, Rehman Hassan, highlighted the urgency of incorporating youth-driven solutions into policy-making.
“Young people are the most underrepresented group in governance, yet they make up half of the world’s population,” Hassan said. “It is high time we engage them and incorporate their solutions for a healthier way forward.”
Established in 2023, the WHO Youth Council serves as a global network advocating for youth-led initiatives in public health. It includes members from various organizations, such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Commonwealth Youth Health Network (CYHN).
The Council advises WHO leadership and actively engages in shaping health policies to reflect the needs and expertise of young people worldwide.
The declaration urges governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to include youth in policy-making processes and invest in grassroots initiatives to build a healthier future.
It highlights the importance of valuing the experiences and views of young people to develop effective health policies.