Nordic conference on child welfare to begin tomorrow at Harpa in Reykjavik

A Nordic conference focusing on the prevention and well-being of children and adolescents will commence tomorrow at Harpa in Reykjavik. The event will address the shared priorities of young people across the Nordic countries, specifically regarding the creation of a safer society, with an emphasis on inclusion and mental health.

Representatives from youth councils in Reykjavik are hopeful that policymakers will listen, as all Nordic countries face similar challenges, particularly in the areas of social inclusion and mental health services. Snæ Humadóttir noted that while problems may differ in scale due to the smaller community in Iceland, the importance of engaging with those around us remains crucial.

There is a consensus among youth representatives that there is often insufficient education for young people promoting inclusion, given their diverse backgrounds. Éldred Snæ expressed optimism about conference attendees taking their perspectives into account, despite concerns that tangible actions may be limited afterward. Workshop sessions will revolve around the findings from previous Nordic youth collaborations, which have been well-received by the Reykjavik City Council.

The priorities of these young people emerged during the U-lync conference held in Reykjavik earlier this year, where 80 youths from ten Nordic cities discussed significant societal issues, challenges, and potential solutions. The outcomes of that conference will be presented to city officials and other participants at the upcoming event, addressing topics such as mental health, education, sustainability, diversity, and youth participation.

Storbyens hjerte og smerte is a collaborative platform involving Reykjavik and nine other Nordic cities. Gísli Ólafsson, one of the organizers, emphasized the demand for better access to mental health services within educational institutions, highlighting the negative impact of social media on youth mental well-being.