SDG Media Zone @UNGA80: Safeguarding Mental Health for Future Generations in the Digital Age

This panel will take place at the SDG Media Zone at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly and will be live on UN WebTV.

AI and digital platforms are increasingly influencing how children and young people learn, connect, and experience the world. This panel explores how we can safeguard the mental health of young people while advancing technology that upholds children’s rights and well-being. The discussion will address opportunities and risks of AI in shaping online well-being, highlight strategies for protecting and promoting youth mental health, and consider how global commitments, such as the UN’s Declaration for Future Generations, can ensure safe, inclusive, and resilient digital spaces for generations to come.

Speakers:

• Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs
• Michael Preston, Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop
• Joanna Lai, Health Specialist, UNICEF NYHQ

Moderator: Anya Kamanetz