The world is experiencing a rapid and cumulative rate of change. Digital and data tools are changing approaches to health and the design of health systems, but governance models have not followed the pace of innovation.

With more than three billion people under the age of 30, we have the largest generation of young people in history. Yet their priorities and needs are not reflected in global and local policies. At the same time, digital, data, and new technologies are changing the fabric of our society, including current approaches to health and the design of health systems. Yet governance models have not followed the pace of innovation.

Many young people have grown up side by side with digital technologies, and they are among the first to demand and gain a clear set of rights in relation to rapid technological development for their health and wellbeing. Prevailing concerns about data ownership and privacy limit the potential innovative technologies have to offer in supporting progress towards achieving universal health coverage by 2030. Giving young people the opportunity to engage in these discussions will ensure that digital solutions work to benefit young people’s health and wellbeing.

For the first time, a joint The Lancet & Financial Times Commission called Growing up in a digital world: Governing health futures 2030 is exploring the opportunity to achieve universal health coverage through the convergence of digital health, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, with a particular focus on the health and wellbeing of children and young people. The commission is supported by Fondation Botnar, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and the Wellcome Trust.

Between October 2019 and December 2021, the Commission will come together for four in-person meetings in order to develop the finalised report. Between these meetings, Commissioners will divide into selected working groups to conduct inclusive dialogues with key stakeholders, including youth organisations. The Financial Times supports by hosting parallel convenings with the private sector. The findings will be published at the end of 2021.

For more information, visit governinghealthfutures2030.org and follow the conversation on Twitter @GHFutures2030!