Ready to Learn and Thrive: Promoting adolescent well-being in schools

On Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 October, the Global Forum for Adolescents (GFA) will take place online. During the GFA, the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education will present a session about how schools can promote well-being for young people, together with the International Association for Adolescent Health (IAAH), UNESCO (France HQ), UNICEF (USA HQ) and WHO (Switzerland HQ).

Education and well-being are mutually reinforcing, underlined by the UN multi-agency 2023 ‘Ready to Learn and Thrive’ report. Students need to be in good health and feel well to be ready to learn, and those who enjoy quality education have better health outcomes. Schools have the potential to offer a comprehensive approach to improve physical, mental and social well-being, benefiting adolescents both short- and long-term. This is only possible if all stakeholders – including teachers and other school staff, students, families, local health professionals and decision-makers – work together, ensuring access to education and information to young people in all their diversity, so no-one is left behind. By examining two vital aspects of school life – the school environment and the processes of learning – we will offer practical advice and reflections emphasizing a coherent, intersectoral and inclusive approach to promoting well-being in schools. The session will include panel discussions and country-based case studies.