WHO Director General's remarks at Young Leaders for Healthy Societies: Building Well being, Resilience and Trust – 14 October 2024

Professor Axel Pries,

Dr Brigitte Mohn,

Dr Hamaiyal Sana, Alastair Hannaford and all members of the WHO Youth Council,

Dear colleagues and friends,

Good afternoon, it's an honour to be here with you today.

When I began as Director-General in 2017, we began a process of transformation to make WHO more effective, efficient, transparent, accountable and results-oriented.

We've made changes to every area of our work, from the way we're structured to the way we produce scientific guidelines, to the way we're financed, to HR, supply chains, and so much more - more than 51 initiatives launched.

One of the key pillars of the transformation has been to work much more creatively and proactively with partners, including civil society and youth - especially you.

Our aim is to expand youth engagement across multiple levels, from grassroots health initiatives to high-level decision-making platforms.

We recognize youth not just as beneficiaries of WHO's work, but as critical partners in achieving global health goals.

That's why two years ago, we created the WHO Youth Council.

The Youth Council is a direct advisory body to WHO, ensuring that youth voices are not only heard but are instrumental in influencing policy and actions.

Through the Youth Council, WHO aims to co-create solutions that are youth-led, youth-driven, and tailored to their specific health needs.

We're committed to capacity-building opportunities, including mentorship programmes for young people from diverse regions and backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on underserved areas.

Through platforms like the WHO Youth Council and the Global Model WHO, we ensure that youth continue to drive meaningful change in global health, through your leadership.

I welcome the launch of today's declaration, with its 10 calls to action across health education and literacy, accessible and sustainable health care, equity, and youth leadership.

The declaration reflects the voices, dreams, and ideas of young people from around the world.

It shows how much can be accomplished when youth are empowered and given a real opportunity to shape their own health futures.

I extend a warm welcome to all the members of the Youth Council, especially those who are joining us for the first time and to those returning. When meeting them yesterday, I was impressed by their dynamism, commitment and diversity.

I look forward to working with each of you over the next two years.

I also thank sincerely all the Youth Council members from the first term. Your commitment and hard work have set a strong foundation.

Finally, I thank Bertelsmann Stiftung and the World Health Summit for your support for the WHO Youth Council, and your partnership for a healthier, safer, fairer world for all people, young and old.

Thank you.

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