Megatrends such as climate change and demographic shifts challenge the world but also offer opportunities for a healthier future. Acknowledging these pressing realities, WHO Europe and Member States in the Region are outlining health priorities and coordinating efforts to ensure the provision, promotion and protection of health for all over the next five years. In this regard, the Second European Programme of Work (EPW 2) is intended to serve as a compass for European countries, aiming to improve health and well-being.
To support the achievement of this objective, various events were organised alongside the EPW 2, which are planned to shape the key priorities of the programme, including the Youth Consultation Meeting held on December 18, 2024, and a series of public hearings addressing diverse issues related to megatrends.
Youth consultation on EPW 2
In the design and implementation of the EPW 2, youth engagement plays a key role. In the Youth Consultation Meeting on December 18, 2024, Dr. Hans Kluge opened the event, emphasising the importance of youth as equal partners in policymaking. He posed two key questions: what challenges are shaping youth health and what solutions should be implemented over the next five years?
Key priorities mentioned by the youth encompassed mental health issues and tackling unhealthy behaviours, environmental health, inequality in healthcare access, and the commercial determinants of health.
Public hearing January 22
Those key challenges were also mentioned by a youth representative during the recent EPW 2 public hearing on January 22 about key strategic directions to tackle NCDs and mental health burdens. Participants stressed the importance of co-creating with youth and ensuring that youth own health initiatives. They also advocated for meaningful inclusion of young people in shaping their health futures.
IDF Europe welcomes the consideration of youth participation in health governance and funding for youth-specific challenges. The importance of co-creation cannot be overestimated, as so far, there have been limited possibilities for young people (living with a chronic condition such as diabetes) to collaborate and engage meaningfully. But the involvement in policymaking is needed to ensure that policies affecting them are appropriate, useful and non-discriminatory.
Four more public hearings will take place until March 7. If you are interested, please register here: EPW 2 Public Hearings.