1.8 billion campaign - Launch Event

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There are 1.8 billion adolescents and youth in the world today– the largest cohort  in history. Many countries are lagging in prioritizing tailored national policies and programs with matching investments to keep pace with their heterogenous needs. More focus will yield a triple benefit: today, into adulthood, and for the next generation. 

PMNCH is launching a global campaign to mobilize political and financial commitments for this important population group. The Global Forum for Adolescents is part of this larger global campaign, where partners from more than 130 countries will unite through national events and a two-day virtual mainstage in October 2023.  

All young people and partners are invited to be part of the Forum and campaign to spark long-term action and lasting change for adolescent well-being.

Agenda

Welcome   

Host Julieta Martinez, Founder of Tremendas and Co-Founder of Latinas for Climate, introduces the Global Forum for Adolescents as part of the 1.8 Billion Campaign and highlights ways to engage.    

Voices from young people around the world

Inspiring statements from young citizens about their dreams, needs and demands that highlight the need to focus on young people’s well-being.  

• Temwa Ngoma, Malawi
• Jorge Alberto, Mexico 
• Pilirani Wanyasa, Malawi 
• Hana Shodladd, Japan 
• Shukti Anantha, India 
• Marcos Botelho da Silva & Friends, Brazil 
• Nico Gomez, Colombia 

Launch of the BMJ Series on Adolescent Well-Being.   

Moderated by Danielle Mullings, Valedictorian 2022, University of the West Indies Mona Campus.  A review of the main messages and findings from the series are shared by the young researchers.  

• Chiamaka Nwachukw, Junior Clinical Fellow, King’s College London 
• Merette Khalil, PMNCH Knowledge and Evidence Working Group, under-30 Vice Chair and Founder, YourEgyptian Doula and Women in Global Health Egypt 
• Shanen Ganapathee, Phd Student, Harvard University 
• Viola Graef, Consultant, MHPSS Collaborative

Countdown to the Global Forum

The unveiling of the key features of the Global Forum for Adolescents in October 2023 with members from the PMNCH Adolescent & Youth Constituency

• Aditi Sivakumar, Founder, My Empowerment Platform  
  and PMNCH Board Vice Chair under 30  
• Ana Anuki Mosiahvilli, International Coordinator, Y-PEER  
• David Imbago, Member, International Youth Health Coalition and  
  Chair, Adolescents and Youth Constituency, PMNCH

Stories of impact

Young advocates from around the world talk about lessons learned in making change happen, and what is needed now.

• Sheila Yegon, Project Coordinator, Organization of African Youth, Kenya  
• Mariana Reyes, President, Y Yo Por Que No? 
• Kenkasha Sheikh, Youth Activist, The YP foundation
• Shukti Anantha, Youth Activist, The YP foundation
• Kenkasha Sheikh, Youth Activist, The YP foundation  
• Shukti Anantha, Youth Activist, The YP foundation  

Wild Wild Women

A Mumbai-based young female hip-hop, breakdancing and graffiti collective shares their music and powerful messages for the health and well-being of young people.