Four major United Nations agencies are joining forces to put children’s and young people’s mental health on the global agenda.

The agencies warn that while mental health is now recognized as a basic human right, the specific needs of children and young people are still being overlooked in most global commitments and funding plans.

In a  statement released recently, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO) United Nations International Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) World Health Organization, (WHO) and the United Nations Youth Office are calling on governments to act urgently to close critical gaps in care and support.

Globally, around one in seven adolescents between 10 and 19 years old experiences a mental health condition. Many of these cases go undiagnosed or untreated, and suicide rates among youth are rising in numerous countries. Experts warn that the lack of policies, funding, and integrated services is leaving millions of young people without the support they need.

The UN agencies point to a series of systemic gaps: there is no dedicated UN resolution on child and youth mental health, national strategies are often missing, and opportunities for young people to participate in shaping policies are limited.

Fewer than 56 percent of countries have a distinct child and youth mental health policy, and even fewer provide school-based or community-based services.

A WHO spokesperson emphasizes that addressing mental health is not just about treating illness. It’s about creating environments where children and adolescents can thrive. That means linking mental health care to schools, communities, sports programs, arts, and even climate action initiatives. The spokesperson adds, “We must move beyond fragmented, underfunded responses. Every child and young person deserves access to supportive, inclusive environments that nurture their mental well-being.”

The agencies are urging governments to adopt national strategies aligned with the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan and international human rights standards. They also call for youth participation in designing, monitoring, and evaluating mental health programs, positioning young people as partners rather than just beneficiaries.

Prevention and early intervention are a major focus. The UN advocates for community-based, school-based, and digital mental health services, combined with education and social support systems. Integrating mental health indicators into national monitoring and surveys would help track progress, hold governments accountable, and ensure equity across regions and populations.

The statement also highlights the importance of coordinated international action. UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, and the UN Youth Office aim to create a joint platform to guide technical support, align financing, and strengthen accountability mechanisms. This approach seeks to unify fragmented efforts and make mental health a priority across sectors.

The UN agencies stress that urgent action is needed now, particularly in humanitarian and fragile settings, where young people face multiple vulnerabilities. Without stronger investment and policy coherence, millions of children risk falling through the cracks, with lifelong consequences for their well-being and development.