Youth Voices at the UN: Reflections from the High-Level Meeting Advocacy Week

Participating in the advocacy efforts around the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in New York was a formative experience — one that brought to life what meaningful youth engagement can look like in global health spaces. For many of us, it was the first time having a voice in such a high-level setting. We weren’t there just to observe, we were there to contribute, think critically, share our perspectives, and advocate for the beliefs, values and communities we care about.

What made this experience even more powerful was the connection and sense of solidarity between us as youth. Despite our diverse cultural and mental health work backgrounds, we found common ground in our goals and shared sense of purpose. There was a shared sense of mutual support and encouragement, creating a space of genuine collaboration.

At the same time, the guidance and encouragement we received from mentors, professionals, and civil society leaders created a rare space where we weren’t just included, but trusted, empowered, and uplifted.

These connections have laid the foundation for future collaborations and long-lasting partnerships, building bridges not just between individuals but across sectors and realities. It was also a week of learning about how decisions are made, how policy agendas are shaped, and how strategic advocacy really works. We saw how changes happen, often slowly and with some challenges, and where youth voices can and must fit in within that process. Being able to participate in those conversations didn’t just give us insight, but a deeper sense of responsibility, and most importantly, confidence.

Above all, this experience left us with a renewed sense of drive. It pushed us to want to do more, to stay involved, take on greater responsibility, and continue contributing in meaningful ways. We left New York not only as advocates, but as agents of change with a clearer vision of our role in shaping the future of mental health. Youth involvement strengthened our collective advocacy, made it more representative and rooted in lived realities. This was not just a moment of learning, but a step into action.

By Alexandra Romero Vidal