Young people in Greece take action!

ATHENS, 26 FEBRUARY 2025 - The first meeting of the Child and Youth Advisory Board of the UNICEF Greece Country Office was held successfully, on 22-23 February, in Athens.

During the two-day event, 16 young people from all over Greece, aged 15-18 years old, had the opportunity to meet, learn more about the work and programmes of UNICEF Greece Country Office and exchange views on important issues affecting young people and children today. The Representative of the UNICEF Greece Country Office, Dr. Ghassan Khalil, attended the meeting, thanking all members for their commitment and underlining the significance of their contribution.  “Together, and each of us individually, we can leave our mark on the lives of others and shape considerable change. Your active role gives strength to UNICEF’s actions and initiatives,” he noted.

The members of the Advisory Board were informed about the National Action against Childhood Obesity and the National Action for the Promotion of Family and Child Health, which are implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF. With guidance of facilitators of Solidarity Now, the young members participated in focus group discussions on period destigmatization, and learned about “The Journey of Food” programme implemented in collaboration with “Boroume”. In addition, UNICEF presented the U-Report Youth Engagement Platform, the “Food for Action” toolboxes, as well as the tools and strategy applied in the Organization’s communication campaigns. During the meeting, the members of the Advisory Board enthusiastically followed the discussion, expressing their interest and providing their feedback with suggestions and ideas for the best support of UNICEF programmes and interventions in the future.

The Child and Youth Advisory Board was established in December 2024, with the aim of supporting UNICEF’s strategic priorities and programmes at national and community level. Their main request, which was also expressed during the first meeting, is "...to build a better future, we want our voices to matter, we want accountability and real change,  ensuring our right to equal participation, no matter the region we come from and our background."

The UNICEF Child and Youth Advisory Board is expected to play a definitive role in the next two years, strategically supporting the organization's actions and policies, both at the national and the community level.