The future of health: 200 young people are actively shaping it in Vienna!

The future of health: 200 young people are actively shaping it in Vienna!

The youth health conference of the Vienna Health Promotion - WiG was held in the inner city of Vienna on June 10, 2025. Around 200 young people from the 1st district had the opportunity to present their creative contributions to health and well-being. Dennis Beck, Managing Director of Vienna Health Promotion, emphasized the commitment of the participants, which was the heartbeat of the event. District leader Markus Figl was also enthusiastic about the large participation that came from schools and local institutions.

The youth health conference offered young people a platform to actively engage with various health topics. The diverse contributions included healthy tastings, active breaks, mindfulness exercises and self-reflection. A highlight was the impressive dance performance of “I am O.K.”, which impressively emphasized the importance of participation and communal experience. The conference covered a wide range of topics, from exercise and nutrition to screen time and cell phone addiction to alcohol.

Focus on young people’s participation

The event not only represented creative ideas, but also an important concern: the participation of young people in health promotion projects is becoming increasingly important. The goal is to create healthy living environments. This claim is derived from the WHO's Ottawa Charter from 1986. How gesundheitsfoerderung.ch reports, a new guide has also been published that provides KAP managers, specialist departments and project managers with practical support materials for the active participation of young people.

The conference is a successful example of the successful implementation of such participation offers and clearly shows how important it is to give young people a voice. This co-creation not only creates health-promoting living environments, it also strengthens awareness of inclusive coexistence.

Support and funding

The youth health conference is implemented in collaboration with the Institute for Women's and Men's Health and queraum. cultural and social research. Particularly noteworthy is the support of the Federal Health Agency, which is helping to finance the initiative. With solid foundations and the commitment of many actors, a step is being taken in the right direction to bring young people closer to health issues.

The future of health promotion lies in the hands of young people. Through events like this, we can ensure that their concerns and ideas are heard and that we work together towards healthier living environments. OTS reports that the Youth Health Conference is an important step in this direction.