The role of civil society organisations in ensuring the health security of children and young people within the EU

The topic of the conference was the mental and physical condition of young Europeans and the role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in supporting it. The event was organised as part of the Polish presidency of the EU Council on the initiative of the Minister for Civil Society, Adriana Porowska, and the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the EESC.

Health security of children and youth in the spotlight

Invited by the Minister for Civil Society Adriana Porowska and the EESC, the conference welcomed representatives of Polish and EU Member States’ civil society organisations as well as scientists, practitioners and other stakeholders engaged in the broad field of child and youth development.

• The event's theme directly aligned with the Polish Presidency’s overarching motto: security.
• The goal of the meeting was to exchange experiences and raise awareness among EU and Member State decision-makers about the potential and role of CSOs in health-related activities for children and youth, including areas such as education, prevention, physical activity, and early response to threats.
• A dedicated panel addressed global issues such as environmental pollution and climate change, as well as societal challenges like childhood cancer.

The need to integrate health policy, medical services, and protection

The debate provided space for dialogue and an exchange of best practises aimed at comprehensive protection of the youngest generations. Topics included physical and mental health, digital hygiene, and environmental and social challenges.

'The unpredictability and volatility of new threats raise questions about society's and administrations’ ability to protect the youngest from harm and provide them with the optimal conditions for stable development,' said Minister Adriana Porowska before the event.

'We are particularly concerned by the scale of exclusion, loneliness, and various forms of depression among young people. The data is alarming. This calls for action here and now, as well as a long-term strategy,' she added.

During the discussion, participants emphasised the need to integrate EU health policy, medical services, and prevention.

'We are witnessing long-term effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine on our society — trauma, family separation, displacement. Many Polish families suffering from poverty and extreme hardship. Each of these brings immense difficulties and consequences for the mental well-being of younger generations. In this context, we must also focus on the digital security. Protecting children from harmful or fake content, including climate disinformation is just as important as safeguarding their physical health,' emphasized Deputy Minister Marek Krawczyk, representing Minister Porowska at the conference.

The participants of the conference pointed to the urgent need for early detection of children health risks, timely diagnosis, and effective mental health prevention.

Shared priorities in EU countries for the health of children and youth

'We need sustained dialogue and the implementation of the European Health Union. Threats to mental health and inequalities in access - especially for the most vulnerable — are challenges that require bold, collective action. The EESC, as an advisory body, can help establish shared priorities for the health of children and youth,' emphasized Deputy Minister Marek Krawczyk.

One of the EESC's key initiatives in this area is a call for cooperation between Member States and the structured development, implementation and assessment of health protection recommendations with the participation of CSOs, grounded in the principles of universality, quality, accessibility, solidarity, and inclusivity. This collaboration should take place in the spirit of open and lasting dialogue with civil society organisations.

'Health security must be a key strategic priority at European and national level. Investing in the well-being and health of children and young people, notably in their mental health, means investing in a sustainable future. Prevention, early intervention, education, social networks and community-based initiatives play a crucial role. This is why civil society organisations must be better involved in defining, evaluating and monitoring health security priorities. We have all experienced the added value of their activities during the COVID-19 crisis and the power of civil-society-driven innovations has been presented again today,' said Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the EESC.

Youth – visible, heard and engaged

Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations' Group of the EESC, emphasized that empowering young citizens and involving them in discussions and decision-making processes is a crucial factor in reinforcing civil dialogue. Experts unanimously noted that nothing strengthens the sense of ownership and belonging like participation in peer groups, engagement in youth organisations and volunteer work.

Speaking about specific actions, both President Boland and Deputy Minister Krawczyk encouraged greater intergenerational cooperation and the establishment of an integrated healthcare system.