Youth: A Driving Force for Change?

Today, our world is home to the largest generation of youth in the history of humanity: individuals under the age of 24 account for about 40% of the global population, with most living in low- and middle-income countries.

As highlighted in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, youth voices are undeniably central to support the development of healthy, safe and sustainable living environments. Unfortunately, childhood and adolescent obesity have been growing exponentially with no signs of slowing down: by 2030, 254 million children could be living with obesity. True and lasting effects to positively impact youth health, including overweight and obesity, will not only need to include young people’s input, perspective, and suggestions: the initiative and leadership of young people themselves needs to be part of the answer. However, are we listening to what youth have to say?

The World Café will showcase how the CO-CREATE project is involving youth as genuine project partners to identify the drivers of obesity and obesity-related policies that hold promise in building a healthier future. The CO-CREATE dialogue forum tool will be used to convene youth and stakeholders to discuss meaningful youth engagement and inclusion.

• Date: Tuesday 14^th September 2021
• Time: 13:00 - 14:00 CEST

Objectives:

1. To discuss how young people can be meaningfully engaged in policy-making processes and projects at local, national, and international levels.
2. To showcase how youth-led dialogues can be harnessed as a powerful lever to build upon each other’s perspectives, to connect individuals, and identify solutions and collective actions.
3. To explore obesity-related policy actions and interventions targeting young people