UNICEF, Z Zurich Foundation advance youth mental health efforts

On World Mental Health Day, the Z Zurich Foundation and UNICEF announced the renewal of their global partnership, Thriving Together, aimed at scaling efforts to support young people’s mental health and well-being. The renewed commitment plans to reach an additional 11 million people over the next three years through a comprehensive approach targeting government, community, and individual levels.

The partnership, which initially reached over 900,000 adolescents and caregivers in its first phase, focuses on enhancing mental health systems worldwide. At the core of the initiative are innovative in-person and digital interventions designed to offer adolescents and their caregivers practical tools, skills, and information to improve mental well-being.

“For too long, the mental health of children and youth has been sidelined and underfunded. Yet we know that investment in mental health can yield massive benefits for children, adolescents, families, and whole societies,” said UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell. She expressed gratitude for the continued partnership, highlighting its role in fostering healthier futures for young people.

Systemic change and mental health prevention

Statistics show the urgent need for these efforts, according to a news release. An estimated one in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 lives with a diagnosable mental health condition, and half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 14. Adolescence, considered a critical period for the development of social and emotional skills, is also a time of heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges.

Grégory Renand, head of the Z Zurich Foundation, emphasized the partnership’s potential to create lasting change. “Together with UNICEF, we are addressing the invisible crisis of youth mental well-being by transforming systems and creating sustainable change. The resounding success of the first phase has demonstrated the profound impact of our strategic partnership,” said Renand. He noted that the second phase would accelerate this impact on a larger scale, reaching more young people globally.

New phase targets reaching 15 countries

As the partnership enters its next stage, it will expand its geographic reach from seven to 15 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Mexico, among others. This expansion aims to strengthen mental health policies and interventions through digital platforms, schools, and community initiatives. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, such as migrants and refugees, ensuring that support reaches those most in need.

The news release noted the Z Zurich Foundation is also a key member of the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, advocating for increased global investment in youth mental health. The coalition, an alliance of private sector partners, aims to push for broader action to address the growing mental health crisis among children and young people.

Do you know other initiatives aimed at supporting mental health? Let us know in the comments below.