Speaking up for Youth Voices

As a newly qualified psychologist with a master's degree in clinical psychology in Pakistan, it has always been my dream to raise awareness and break the silence surrounding youth and adolescent mental health. Throughout my life, I have seen how young people are often the first to be pushed aside, with their opinions and voices overlooked. This made me realize that change was needed. 

If we want a future where mental health is given the attention it deserves, we need to begin with the young minds who will shape our country. This means creating meaningful platforms where young people can speak, participate and be heard. 

My own opportunity to be heard began in July 2025, when I was selected to join UNICEF South Asia’s Young People’s Action Team (YPAT). It was my first time working directly with UNICEF, and through YPAT I took part in different activities and connected with other young people from across the region. When UNICEF shared an opportunity to apply for the second Global Mental Health Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, I decided to put myself forward. I was selected to participate with UNICEF’s support, and the experience taught me something important: sometimes an opportunity begins simply with having the confidence to take a chance. Held under the theme “Bold Ideas for Brighter Futures,” the three-day interactive conference reminded me that the world is listening to young people and that our voices matter.

Day 1: Breaking the ice across borders

I kicked off my first day training session led by UNICEF’s Maryam and Malvikha, where I finally met my Youth Advisory Group peers in person after months of connecting through virtual meetings.

The sessions focused on how we could amplify youth voices for mental health advocacy. After that, I attended the Take 5 Waved for Change session. Through games and personal conversations, we connected with one another and began to feel like a team. The session taught me an important lesson: mental health conversation can be designed in a way that makes everyone feel included.

The official opening ceremony followed, where the Youth Advisory Group was introduced, and inspiring speakers from across the mental health community shared their experiences and perspectives.

Later that evening, during the networking event, I had the chance to spend more time with my fellow Youth Advisory Group members. After months of working together online to help shape the conference, it was special to finally meet in person. We all came from different countries and backgrounds, including Malaysia, Brazil, Colombia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Day 2: Advocating for the voices of children

The second day brought deeper and more challenging conversations. The focus shifted towards realities that many people find difficult to confront.

The day started with a plenary session where experienced professionals shared their personal stories, what inspired them and how they reached where they are today. I then attended back-to-back sessions on urgent issues such as Supporting Children Affected by Armed Conflict and Navigating Psychosocial Support in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings. These discussions highlighted the work being done to protect children affected by wars they may not even understand. We discussed the invisible emotional scars left behind by war and explored ways to build stronger support systems to help children heal and recover. 

After such an emotionally intense day, the Youth Advisory Group did what young people do best: we found comfort in connection. We headed to the Cape Town seaside and stood together by the Atlantic Ocean. Looking out at the water, I thought about how we had all crossed the seas and oceans to be here for a shared purpose: raising awareness for the mental health of young people. 

The final day of the conference is one I will never forget. I had the opportunity to co-chair a session with Dr. Laura Dunne, a distinguished Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer from Queen’s University Belfast. Together we led a session on youth-led and peer-led approaches, highlighting inspiring initiatives from around the world where young people themselves are driving change in their own communities. The session reinforced an important message: young people are not simply recipients of support. They are active partners in creating solutions.

One of the most emotional moments of the conference came during the closing ceremony, when the Youth Advisory Group presented the Youth Manifesto. It captured what young people believe is needed to improve mental health. Hearing those recommendations presented so powerfully by my fellow group members reminded me of what meaningful youth participation truly looks like. The motto that we followed was “Nothing about us, without us” as it captured everything the Youth Advisory Group stood for.

After the conference: Boulders Beach and final goodbyes

With the conference officially over, the Youth Advisory Group spent our final day together exploring the beauty of South Africa before returning home. 

We visited Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguins in their natural habitat. It felt like the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey. That day reminded me that taking time to appreciate nature, connect with others and recharge is just as important as the work we do.

As our time together came to an end, I said goodbye with a heavy heart to the incredible people who had made this experience so meaningful.

Bringing the change home:

When I returned to Pakistan, my mission remained unchanged: to make sure young people’s voices are heard. What had changed was my perspective. The conference showed me that I am not alone in advocating for this cause. Around the world, young people and professionals are working towards the same goal.