Fondation Botnar’s Post

At Fondation Botnar, we’re driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to support the wellbeing of young people as they navigate life in increasingly urbanised and digital environments. The discussions this week at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) reaffirm why this mission matters now more than ever. #WHA78 took place amidst an increasingly fractured multilateral order, with massive aid cuts estimated to lead to millions of deaths, disruptions to essential health services and attacks on fundamental human rights. Now, more than ever, is the time for coordinated action to shape a post-2030 agenda for sustainable development – one that no longer overlooks the largest generation of adolescents and young people in history. Key takeaways ⬇️ 🌏 Adolescent health and wellbeing The second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing issues a bold but necessary challenge: invest in adolescence, enable supportive policies, and foster multisectoral collaboration—with young people at the centre. But despite growing evidence and advocacy, young people remain overlooked in global agendas, including the current draft declaration on NCDs and mental health. Fondation Botnar continues to invest in platforms and partnerships that elevate youth voices and leadership to shift this narrative. 🧠 Mental health is a human right At #WHA78, the message was clear: mental health must be fully recognised as a matter of human rights. This includes the decriminalisation of suicide, of more community-centred mental health care, and stronger protections around social and income security—key factors influencing wellbeing. We also need to address the commercial drivers of poor mental health, especially in digital spaces where youth are often targeted by harmful advertising and addictive technologies. 🌐 Trusted health data governance Digital health can accelerate progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, as health systems digitise rapidly, robust governance frameworks must keep pace. Just as civil aviation operates under universal guidelines, a harmonised approach to health data governance can create consistency, foster trust, and enable safe data exchange across borders. Now is the time for integrated action. At Fondation Botnar, we believe that fostering meaningful youth participation and building strong, cross-sectoral partnerships is not just the way forward—it’s the only way to ensure a healthier, more equitable future for young people everywhere. #WHA78 #YouthWellbeing #MentalHealthIsAHumanRight #DigitalHealth Images: © World Health Organization/Pierre Albouy