The United Nations Youth Office today launched Real People, Real Talk, a new global advocacy campaign that seeks to elevate authentic stories, challenge stigma and spark a global conversation on youth mental health and well-being. Unveiled at a high-level event held at United Nations Headquarters, the campaign calls on people everywhere to listen, speak openly and help create environments where every young person can thrive.

The launch took place during One World, One Game, One Goal, hosted by the United Nations Youth Office together with the UN Member States Friends of Football, on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Bringing together governments, United Nations leaders, young people, athletes, football legends, civil society and private sector partners, the event highlighted the unique power of football — and sport more broadly — to foster belonging, resilience, connection and hope.

Young people today are navigating unprecedented challenges, from economic uncertainty and armed conflict to climate anxiety and the pressures of an increasingly digital world. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 lives with a mental health disorder, while most mental health conditions emerge before the age of 24.

Yet stigma, discrimination and silence continue to prevent many young people from seeking support or speaking openly about their experiences.

Real People, Real Talk responds to this challenge by putting young people and their lived experiences at the centre of the conversation. Through authentic stories shared by young people, athletes, creators, public figures and advocates from around the world, the campaign seeks to reduce stigma, encourage honest conversations, foster empathy and remind young people that they are not alone.

The campaign is the public-facing advocacy platform of the United Nations Youth Office’s flagship initiative on Youth Mental Health and Well-Being. The flagship initiative advances a broader shift in how youth mental health is understood and promoted — moving beyond an approach centred primarily on treatment and individual responsibility toward a holistic, ecosystem perspective that recognizes the influence of families, schools, communities, sport, arts and culture, digital spaces, workplaces and public policy. It identifies ten interconnected dimensions that shape young people’s mental health and well-being and calls on all sectors of society to help create environments where young people can flourish.

Dr. Felipe Paullier, Head of the United Nations Youth Office and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, said:“There is no sustainable development without youth mental health and well-being — and without a generation that feels empowered, connected and resilient enough to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Through Real People, Real Talk, we are inviting everyone — not only young people, but governments, institutions, communities and partners — to listen, to speak openly and to help create the environments where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”

As the campaign begins, organizations and individuals around the world are invited to join using the hashtag #RealPeopleRealTalk by sharing stories, fostering dialogue, challenging stigma and helping build the supportive environments that young people need to thrive.

One World, One Game, One Goal

Recognizing football’s unique ability to unite people across cultures and generations, One World, One Game, One Goal demonstrated how sport can contribute to safe, inclusive and supportive environments that strengthen young people’s well-being. Through teamwork, belonging, positive role models and shared purpose, football can help build resilience, confidence and social connection — protective factors that are fundamental to good mental health.

One World, One Game, One Goal was made possible through the generous support of a broad coalition of partners from across philanthropy, sport, academia, civil society and the private sector.