Youth Mental Health and Cities: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons from Kenya and India

Young people are at the heart of shaping the future of cities. However, rapid urbanization, changing social dynamics, economic pressures, climate related challenges, and increasing social isolation are impacting the mental health and well being of urban youth across the world. While cities offer opportunities for education, employment, innovation, and social connection, they can also create environments that contribute to stress, anxiety, exclusion, and reduced well being. As governments, city leaders, and development organizations increasingly recognize the importance of youth well being, there is a growing need to explore how urban systems, policies, and communities can better support young people's mental health. Learning from diverse experiences and local innovations can help cities become more inclusive, connected, and responsive to the needs of young people. exclusion, and reduced well being.