Global Partnership Expands to Tackle Youth Mental Health Crisis
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Mexico City, december 2024 – In a notable move to address the growing global youth mental health crisis, the Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF announced a renewed partnership, expanding thier “Thriving Together” initiative to support an additional 11 million young people over the next three years.
This expanded collaboration aims to bolster mental health resources at the governmental, community, and individual levels. The initiative provides innovative tools and interventions, both in-person and through digital platforms, equipping adolescents and their caregivers with vital information, skills, and strategies for mental well-being. These resources have been developed in collaboration with partners and rigorously tested in the field.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “For too long, children and young people’s mental health has been marginalized and underfunded. However, we know that investing in mental health can generate enormous benefits for children, adolescents, families and entire society. We are grateful for the continued partnership with the Z zurich Foundation to support healthier futures through improved mental health and well-being for all.”
The alarming statistics underscore the need for this initiative. Its estimated that one in seven adolescents aged 10-19 lives with a diagnosable mental illness,with 50% of mental illnesses beginning before age 14. While adolescence is a high-risk period, it’s also a crucial time for developing healthy behaviors and social-emotional skills.
Grégory Renand, director of the Z Zurich Foundation, highlighted the partnership’s impact: “together with UNICEF, we are addressing the invisible crisis of youth mental well-being by transforming systems and creating enduring change. The resounding success of the first phase has demonstrated the profound impact of our strategic partnership, enabling key stakeholders to tailor solutions to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing. With the launch of the second phase, we are prepared to accelerate this impact on an unprecedented scale, ensuring sustainable mental well-being for even more young people around the world. We see this evolution of our strategic partnership with UNICEF substantially elevating the support we provide in the youth mental wellbeing space.”
Building on the success of the initial three-year phase, which empowered over 900,000 adolescents and caregivers, the expanded partnership will reach 15 countries – Argentina, Bangladesh, bhutan, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam – up from the initial seven. The program will leverage digital, school, and community platforms to reach all young people, including vulnerable populations like migrants and refugees.
The Z Zurich Foundation’s commitment extends beyond this partnership. as a member of the UNICEF-led global Coalition for Young People’s Mental Health, the foundation actively advocates for increased investment and action in this critical area. The coalition, launched with the foundation’s support, unites UNICEF private sector partners in a collective effort to address the global youth mental health burden.
UNICEF does not endorse any brand, product, or service.
Press Contacts
Rocío Núñez castellanos
Media Coordinator
UNICEF Mexico
Telephone: +52 55 5284 9530
Email: rnunez@unicef.org
Global Alliance Ups the Ante in Fight for Youth Mental Health
A renewed partnership between the Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF aims to tackle the growing global youth mental health crisis by reaching millions of young people with vital resources and support.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor, Sarah Thompson, speaks with Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Child Psychologist and Adolescent Mental Health Expert, about the expanding “Thriving Together” initiative.
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for joining us today. The statistics around youth mental health are quite alarming. Can you paint us a picture of the situation?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: Certainly, Sarah. We’re in the midst of a global mental health crisis affecting young people. Globally, one in seven adolescents lives with adiagnosable mental illness, and often thes conditions manifest before the age of 14. This isn’t just a statistic; it represents millions of young lives struggling with anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
Sarah Thompson: And this partnership between UNICEF and the Z Zurich Foundation seeks to address this?
Dr. Maria Rodriguez: Exactly. the ”Thriving Together” initiative is incredibly exciting because it’s taking a comprehensive,multi-level approach. We’re talking about strengthening mental health services at the governmental and community levels, but also equipping adolescents and their caregivers with essential tools and knowledge through innovative digital platforms and in-person programs.
Sarah Thompson: How will this expanded partnership reach even more young people in need?
dr. maria Rodriguez: This next phase is building upon the success of the initial three-year program, which reached over 900,000 adolescents and caregivers. They’re expanding to 15 countries, focusing on vulnerable populations like migrants and refugees, and actively incorporating digital platforms to reach young people where they are. It’s about accessibility and making sure no one is left behind.
Sarah Thompson: What makes the “Thriving Together” program unique?
dr. Maria Rodriguez: A few things stand out: the focus on both prevention and intervention, the emphasis on collaboration with local partners to ensure culturally relevant solutions, and the rigorous evaluation process to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
Sarah Thompson: What’s your message to young people who might be struggling right now?
Dr. maria Rodriguez: First and foremost, know that you are not alone. Help is available,and there are people who care about you and wont to support you.
Reaching out to a trusted adult, talking to a counselor, or exploring online resources can make a real difference. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as critically important as taking care of your physical health.
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for your insights.This is clearly a vital initiative with the potential to make a real difference in the lives of millions of young people around the world.
