Focus on mental health and well-being on Minister for Health and Social Affairs’ visit to New York

“We must address the major challenges of our time – mental ill health, loneliness, physical inactivity and unhealthy living habits – with forceful measures. By prioritising preventive efforts, we improve both physical and mental health. It’s clear that this issue has global engagement,” says Mr Forssmed.

The High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promotion of Mental Health was held at UN Headquarters in New York. Opening speakers included World Health Organization General Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and President of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry. 

Mr Forssmed delivered Sweden’s national address at the Assembly, where he highlighted key Swedish efforts to counter excessive screen time (particularly among children and young people), initiatives such as the leisure time card that makes healthy habits accessible to more people and political initiatives to address loneliness.

“Fighting loneliness, promoting a physically active lifestyle and creating safe digital environments are not separate objectives – they’re cornerstones of a healthy society. And they’re crucial to your ability to change lives and living conditions through leadership and concrete measures to counter noncommunicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being,” said Mr Forssmed in his address.

Global perspectives on young people’s safety and mental health

Mr Forssmed also took part in a roundtable discussion arranged by the Clinton Global Initiative. Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was among the moderators of the meeting, which gathered approximately 25 leaders from the IT sector, politics, philanthropy and civil society. Once again, Mr Forssmed highlighted Swedish initiatives that aim to promote digital environments that support, rather than undermine, children’s and young people’s mental and physical health. 

The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) is a government agency in New York City that works to strengthen young people and communities by funding and coordinating a wide range of programmes. DYCD offers after-school programmes, jobs and internships, and initiatives for homeless young people. Mr Forssmed met with Deputy Commissioner Susan Haskell, who spoke about DYCD’s various activities. The focus was primarily on how their programmes promote young people’s health and well-being through good habits, physical activity in urban environments, digital security and mental health support. 

In addition to the meetings and side events, Mr Forssmed participated in a number of bilateral discussions with his ministerial colleagues from countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Armenia and Australia. A meeting with Nordic ministers was also held, where they jointly discussed the outcomes of the General Assembly and common Nordic issues moving forward.