Session 23

Shaping resilient generations

Youth mental health in a changing Europe

Organised by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and supported by the European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety

Digital technologies are reshaping how young people live, learn, and connect, with important implications for their mental health. At the same time, climate anxiety, social pressures, and growing uncertainty linked to conflict are adding to the challenges they face. These factors are interconnected and contribute to rising mental health concerns across Europe. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a critical but often overlooked driver, with lasting effects not only on mental health, but also on education, employment, and social outcomes. Alongside this, lived experience offers essential insight into how policies can better respond to young people’s realities, yet it remains underused in decision-making.

Drawing on a Mental Health in All Policies approach, this session explores how sectors beyond health can work together to address these challenges, close implementation gaps and build resilience, positioning youth mental health as fundamental to a safer, more cohesive and resilient Europe.

Speakers to be announced