Publication
Geneva/San Francisco · Jun 3rd, 2025
Driving Collective Impact for Child and Youth Mental Health: Virtual Experience on the Force of Innovation and Creativity
Care at Work: Nurturing Caregiver Mental Health to Shape the Future of Our Workplaces
Webinar hosted by the UN Global Compact and the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health.
10 October, 3-4 p.m. CET
Driving change for child and youth mental health: Key takeaways from UNGA79
This year’s High-Level Week at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) marked a pivotal moment for youth mental health. Historically overlooked in global health discussions, mental health gained unprecedented attention, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Notably, many key stakeholders have begun referring to it as the "HLM on NCDs and Mental Health"—a crucial shift that reflects the growing recognition of mental health as a global priority. This change not only paves the way for more progressive policies but also opens the door to increased investment in this critical area.
A key insight from the week is the urgent need for better mental health data. The global research community continues to struggle with incomplete and inconsistent data, limiting our ability to understand the full scope of mental health challenges or hold policymakers accountable. As we approach the HLM on NCDs and Mental Health, strengthening data collection and analysis is essential to inform evidence-based solutions. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on early, community-based interventions, which are vital for preventing mental health issues before they escalate. These localized, culturally relevant approaches offer accessible support, especially to vulnerable youth populations. Moreover, there is growing recognition of the private sector's role in advancing this agenda. Beyond workplace mental health, the private sector can contribute not only through critical investment but also by piloting and designing innovative solutions that governments can take to scale.
During the UNGA, the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health hosted two significant events. A closed-door roundtable convened public and private sector leaders to discuss the need for coordinated, collective action in addressing the mental health crisis facing children and youth. In collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation, a second event focused on the power of creativity and innovation to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote mental health globally. UNICEF youth advocates, including Aryan Gupta and Alaine Perdomo, provided powerful insights, highlighting the importance of prioritizing child and youth mental health in global initiatives. Moving forward, the Coalition remains committed to building on this momentum, ensuring efforts stay cohesive, strategic, and inclusive of private sector partnerships through 2025 and beyond.