Aug 24, 2023
Youth4DRR Joins the WHO Youth 4 Health Network: A Step Forward in Integrating Youth Voices in Health Decision-Making
We are pleased to announce that Youth4DRR has officially become a member of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Youth4Health Network. This significant collaboration marks a new chapter in integrating youth perspectives into health and disaster management policies at a global and regional level.
The Youth 4 Health network, initiated in 2021 by Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, serves as a dynamic platform for young voices. With the current generation being the largest in history and half of the world’s population aged 30 years or younger, the network’s role is more critical than ever. In the WHO European Region alone, every third individual is under 30, underscoring the importance of youth involvement in shaping future health policies and practices.
Youth4DRR’s inclusion in the Youth 4 Health network is a testament to our commitment towards empowering young people in health-related decision-making, especially in the context of disasters. Young individuals, known for their willingness to challenge the status quo and raise their voices, are key to building an inclusive and sustainable future. This collaboration allows Youth4DRR to bring its expertise to the forefront, ensuring that health strategies youth-inclusive and effective.
The partnership is set to foster greater involvement of young people in health and DRR initiatives, ensuring that their unique insights and innovative solutions are heard at all levels of the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s work. Youth4DRR’s involvement will focus on advocating for youth-friendly health policies, contributing to research and innovation, and enhancing the resilience of health systems in the face of disasters.
This collaboration is more than a membership; it’s a stride towards ensuring that health policies and disaster risk reduction strategies not only consider but are shaped by the vibrant, diverse, and dynamic perspectives of youth across the globe.