Nearly 400 young leaders from over 40 countries have declared loneliness and social isolation a global public health emergency, urging governments to take action to strengthen social bonds and mental well-being.

Gathering at the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva for the Global Model WHO 2025, delegates adopted the Global Model WHO Youth Declaration on Social Connection.

The document calls for "national strategies, community investments, and inclusive digital policies to foster belonging" and curb what they describe as a rising epidemic of disconnection.

Over the multi-day conference, the young delegates debated solutions on issues ranging from mental health and vaccine hesitancy to digital health and artificial intelligence.

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