We see a world where all young people are empowered to take care of their health. They co-create and live in healthy environments and are supported by health-promoting policies.
Mission
The International Youth Health Organization (YHO) is one of the leading international organisations that empowers young people to work on Youth Health. We educate, train, connect and financially support youth from different backgrounds to actively participate in prevention programmes, research, policy and leadership on Youth Health.
Values
Partnership
We believe that true transformation comes by actively involving young people, treating them as essential team-players and connect them with other important stakeholders.
Professionalism
Young people can show great leadership, expertise and integrity and work in a transparent and accountable way.
Health
All people deserve to live a healthy life in a healthy environment.
Respect
We welcome geographical, professional and cultural diversity.
Our Work
YHO works towards health and wellbeing of young people, through promotion of healthy lifestyles and prevention of non-communicable diseases, including mental health and environmental health. It develops and supports evidence-based and effective policies to assure health-promoting environments for young people.
This is achieved through building capacity of youth organizations in the topics of Youth research, Advocacy of effective and comprehensive policies and Behaviour-change strategies that improve young people’s health and wellbeing.
Since its establishment, YHO has hosted several conferences, seminars, and other capacity-building events. It has conducted research together with young people that has been used to inform policy-making. YHO has amplified the voices of young people when advocating for health-promoting policies nationally and internationally.
Members
YHO is a network of organisations who work on or are related to Youth Health. The key to our success is the diversity of the members we bring together: from global international federations to national and local youth organisations. Our members are committed, passionate and prepared to make a positive social change in their environment.
Origins
The International Youth Health Organization was officially established in 2011 as the Alcohol Policy Youth Network (APYN) and was connecting youth organizations to work towards the prevention and reduction of alcohol-related harm.
APYN developed and advocated for effective alcohol policies. After years of successful work on the field of alcohol, members decided in 2018 to rename the network and expand the areas of work to non-communicable diseases, including mental health and environmental health. It joined forces with other formal and informal youth networks around Europe, including the European Tobacco Control Youth Network, Sustainaware and the YU-SEE initiative.
Want to know more?
International
Youth Health Organization
Gregorčičeva ulica 7
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
+386 1 200 95 63
secretary.general@apyn.org
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