Welcome!
Dear Participants,
As young people become increasingly engaged with digital spaces—with over 70% of those aged 15-24 online and one in three internet users worldwide being under 1 —the rapid digitalization of society is reshaping global health and well-being.
As we approach several key high-level events shaping youth health and digital policies (High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the Second World Summit for Social Developmentt in Qatar, Beijing 2030), these digital determinants have emerged as critical factors shaping youth health outcomes, particularly through their profound influence on NCDs, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The digital sphere has the potential to perpetuate harmful norms and amplify health inequities, but it can also serve as a powerful tool for positive change and empowerment.
The digital sphere’s influence on adolescent health behaviors includes concerns around direct marketing and addiction, but extends far beyond these issues. The algorithms driving social media platforms are not designed with health and well-being principles in mind and can amplify harmful content, including stigma, discrimination, and misinformation.However, they also offer opportunities for health promotion and community building. This duality presents both challenges and opportunities for public health interventions, as access to technology and digital literacy become increasingly critical social determinants of health. This specific consultation and session at the ECOSOC Youth Forum comes at a prominent time - both to consult and hear from young people, and to generate sustained longer-term impacts to harness the potential of the digital transformation while protecting vulnerable populations from its harms, ultimately creating digital environments that promote health and well-being for all.
Consultation period: 25 March - 9 April 2025
Thematic areas of discussion
We encourage you to participate actively in these discussions, lend your voice to the dialogue, and help us co-create solutions that reflect the true aspirations and needs of the people.
Join the conversation, share your vision, and be part of the change!
Audience
The consultation is open to young people in all their diversity. Any young person should have the opportunity to be part of the consultation process.
For more information
- Kate Ndo ([email protected])
