Fondation Botnar gathers global players at Clinton Global Initiative 2023 Meeting to unlock commitments to address unmet needs of 1.8 billion adolescents globally.

The Commitments to Action are designed to address pressing challenges faced by adolescents and young people including digitalization, urbanization, and climate change and to drive collaboration ahead of the Global Forum for Adolescents in October.

18 September 2023, New York, United States – More than ten global players have joined Fondation Botnar in their call to action to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by more than 1.8 billion adolescents and young people who live in a world dramatically different from previous generations. The adolescent already represents a third of the world, yet they are being left out of discussions and decision-making around issues such as digitalization, urbanization, mobility, and climate change, and are increasingly disconnected from the generation in charge.

Today, these transformations have introduced significant challenges, including an increased risk of mental health issues, exposure to violence, and disparities in access to essential resources, which need to be urgently addressed.

Commenting from the event, Stefan Germann, CEO of Fondation Botnar, said: “The adolescents of today are the first generation to have grown up in a digital world and with an acute consciousness of the transformations our world is facing. If we don’t engage them now, we are wasting an opportunity to create a world that is fit for the future. This is a unique opportunity for actors from various sectors to unite in a common mission and deliver a strong action plan at the upcoming Global Forum for Adolescents in October 2023.”

Despite progress made over the past decades in poverty reduction, mortality rates, and education access, adolescents’ health and wellbeing continue to be underserved and unequal. Adolescents have often been a “missing population” in global health priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The health of adolescents and young people is critical to achieving broader health equity. These commitments reflect an incredible dedication to the wellbeing of future generations, and we are grateful to this broad range of organizations for stepping up and taking action” said Greg Milne, Chief Executive Officer of the Clinton Global Initiative.

The private sector and philanthropic players present at the event have joined Fondation Botnar, who already committed USD 45 million to enhance adolescent health and wellbeing, through initiatives such as making cities safe for adolescents, fostering safe digital environments, and improving mental health and wellbeing. Other organizations making commitments include:

• FIA Foundation
• UNICEF & Generation Unlimited
• Surgo Health, Pivotal Ventures, & MTV Entertainment Studios

With over five years of strategic investment, Fondation Botnar has established a solid position and technical expertise in these areas, working closely with partners at global and country levels and collaborating with young people to create positive and lasting change in communities.

Today, Fondation Botnar is inviting all actors to build on these initial commitments and continue the work beyond New York. The Global Forum for Adolescents, hosted by PMNCH (The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health) on 11-12 October, will be a critical opportunity to mobilize more commitment to adolescent health and well-being.

Helen Clark, Board Chair of the PMNCH added: “What is needed is multisectoral action. UNGA 78 is a historic chance for leaders to prioritize health and well-being. Building on this momentum, we are looking forward to hosting the Global Forum for Adolescents in October to bring together youth and adolescents, advocates, and global decision-makers to take action and strengthen financing and policy commitments to this important issue.”

Commitments to adolescent health and wellbeing by partners at Clinton Global Initiative 2023 Meeting

• Fondation Botnar – Commitment to enhance adolescent health and wellbeing, through initiatives such as making cities safe for adolescents, fostering safe digital environments, and improving mental health and wellbeing.
• FIA Foundation – This commitment addresses the leading global killer of adolescents – road traffic injury. FIA Foundation will support partners in their work to prevent injuries, ensuring that the school journey is a safe one.
• UNICEF & Generation Unlimited – UNICEF, Generation Unlimited and its eco-system of partners commit to supporting youth-powered grassroots action in a climate-changed world. The Green Rising will create pathways for 10 million youth through volunteering, advocacy, and green skilling by 2025.
• Surgo Health, Pivotal Ventures, & MTV Entertainment Studios – Commitment to develop a national Youth Mental Health Tracker that will unearth novel insights and actionable solutions aimed at prioritizing and nurturing youth mental health.
• Born This Way Foundation & Cotton On Foundation, with support from Prospira Global – Commitment for significant investment in expanding global access to resources and programs that support youth mental health through education-based training and grants to community organizations that provide free, accessible, youth-informed resources.
• MTV Staying Alive – Supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, MTV Staying Alive commits to create relevant, relatable, and entertaining youth-focused content on reproductive health rights and gender equality in India.
• Goleadoras Foundation – Goleadoras Foundation commits to empowering girls and women through soccer. Goleadoras will expand its programs for girls and launch programs for formerly incarcerated women in the Americas, with partners ensuring community-specific impact.
• One Earth – One Earth and its partners will develop a global campaign that aims to reverse the growing epidemic of eco-anxiety by empowering young people with the knowledge, tools, and social connection they need to envision and create a healthy and vibrant future.
• The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in partnership with Reckitt – WBFA is committed to reaching 324,200 mothers, children, and adolescents in project states (Nigeria: Lagos, FCT Abuja, Kwara), and achieving a 33% increase in hand washing knowledge and practice, a 20% reduction in cases of diarrhea and a 27% decline in school absenteeism by 2025 through the dynamic WASH education and behavioral change program ‘Hygiene Quest.’
• Mariwala Health Initiative – pledge to work on youth suicide prevention in India on three key pillars – advocacy to implement the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, capacity building, and scaling our existing grant-making efforts. 

Commitments will be made during the 1.8 Billion Futures: How to Secure the Long-term Health and Well-Being of Adolescents and Young People Worldwide Clinton Global Initiative event, taking place at 13:00 EST on 18 September.

To join the Clinton Global Initiative 2023 meeting livestream on 18-19 September, visit https://www.clintonfoundation.org/clinton-global-initiative-september-2023-meeting/

About Fondation Botnar

Fondation Botnar is a Swiss philanthropic foundation working to improve the health and wellbeing of young people living in cities around the world. Advocating for the inclusion of youth voices and the equitable use of AI and digital technology, the foundation invests in and supports innovative programs and research and brings together actors from across sectors to create dialogue and partnerships.

More information: www.fondationbotnar.org

About the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global and emerging leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. CGI works with partners to drive action through its unique model. Rather than directly implementing projects, CGI facilitates action by helping members connect, collaborate, and develop Commitments to Action — new, specific, and measurable plans that address global challenges. Through CGI, the community has made more than 3,900 Commitments to Action that have made a difference in the lives of more than 435 million people in more than 180 countries.

More information: www.clintonfoundation.org/programs/leadership-public-service/clinton-global-initiative/

Onsite media contacts

Kiara Jade Marvuglio, Engagement and Communication Lead

media@fondationbotnar.org, +41 61 201 04 82