PRESENTATION

in cooperation with the Italian Youth Forum (Forum Nazionale Giovani)

The health and well being of young people are key issues not only for young people but for society in general. Decision makers, institutions and civil society stakeholders have increasingly recognised that certain health threats affect young people more specifically than other segments of society. They now also acknowledge the benefit of addressing health issues early in life. Furthermore, young people have to be involved in the decision making processes which concern them, especially with regards to their health and well being.
Moreover, health is a right recognised in international conventions and charters. Therefore all young people, regardless of their economic situation or residence status, of their sexual orientation or ethnic and religious background, marital status, gender, age and disability, should be entitled to healthcare and social protection. (Ref: Policy paper on the health and well being of young people, European Youth Forum).
The Conference 'Be Healthy Be Yourself' organised by the European Commission in 2009, highlighted that "participation and empowerment" of young people are essential to make sure that young people are enabled to take part in discussions regarding their own health in a meaningful way, to take responsibility for their choices and lifestyles and to play an active role in policy making.
Bearing these principles in mind, young people have organised a day of activities which will preview the issues discussed in this European Conference on Health. The Italian Youth Forum have worked closely with the Italian Department for Youth in order to ensure a variety of methodologies which would better engage young participants in the Conference and in cooperating with all the adult participants.