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The Global Mental Health Crisis Among Young People: A Conversation with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award

SpeakerS:

Dr. Tessy Ojo, CEO, The Diana Award
Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex
Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, Diana Award Recipient
Christina Williams, Diana Award Recipient

“I applaud you, at your age, to be on this stage, to have the confidence that you do... and I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you but all of the award winners.” Prince Harry
“We are launching what we're calling the Decade of Youth Well-being, because we are no longer comfortable with just hoping that mental health would go away.” Dr. Tessy Ojo
“A lot of times we tout this statement 'we believe in young people,' and I always like to say you should put your money where your belief is.” Christina Williams
“Access to education is especially important to young people; they're anxious about being able to provide for their families, and I think that's why we need to amplify access to education and provide young people with that gateway to a brighter future.” Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang

Key takeaways:

  • Address youth mental health: Mental health challenges among young people are escalating due to global uncertainties and pressures. The Decade of Youth Well-being initiative aims to empower young individuals to tackle mental health crises for themselves and their peers.
  • Ensure access to education: Providing education to marginalized and undocumented children is essential for their empowerment and inclusion in society. Initiatives like building libraries and offering informal education help bridge the gap.
  • Youth voices require action: Young leaders emphasize that it’s not enough for their voices to be heard; leaders must act on their recommendations to effect real change.
  • Global conflicts hinder youth potential: Ongoing conflicts and global issues create anxiety and barriers for young people, hindering them from reaching their full potential.
  • Collaborative efforts across sectors: Governments, NGOs, and businesses need to engage with youth leaders to develop solutions and promote sustainable impact, ensuring that policies and actions reflect the needs of the younger generation.

Action items:

  • Implement mental health programs: Develop and support initiatives focusing on youth mental health and mental fitness, making resources accessible to all young people regardless of location. 
  • Enhance access to education: Invest in educational programs for underserved communities, including informal education and resource centers like libraries, to empower youth through knowledge.
  • Elevate youth in decision-making: Create platforms for meaningful engagement with young leaders, ensuring their ideas inform policies and actions at all levels.
  • Address conflicts impacting youth: Prioritize peace and security efforts to alleviate the anxieties of the younger generation and remove barriers to their development.
  • Act on youth-led initiatives: Support and amplify projects spearheaded by young change-makers, recognizing their role in driving positive societal transformation.

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