Statement of the executive director, UNFPA International Youth Day

An essential component of this is being able to realise one’s potential, cope with the stresses of life, build healthy relationships, work productively and participate fully in society.

Yet, the mental health of young people is largely ignored and, as a result, depression is the largest cause of disability, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people worldwide. On this International Youth Day, we declare, ‘Mental Health Matters’!  On their journey to adulthood, adolescents discover who they are, what they aspire to be and the risks they face. They come to terms with how their identities relate to those around them and learn to deal with social expectations.