Event highlights
As countries across the WHO European Region seek new ways to strengthen young people’s mental health and well-being, Romania has launched a national campaign that places relationships, connection and belonging at the heart of prevention. Bringing together government institutions, civil society, health professionals, educators, parents and young people, the initiative promotes supportive environments that help adolescents thrive and reduce the risk of addictive behaviours.
The campaign was launched at the beginning of October 2026 at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest and is being implemented by the local non-profit organization Zi de BINE, with support from the WHO Country Office in Romania and Ministry of Health. The initiative was developed under the auspices of the Presidential Administration through the “Romania in Light” project.
At a time when many young people face growing emotional pressures and increasing exposure to risk behaviours, investing in mental health promotion and prevention is more important than ever. According to the 2024 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), 32% of Romanian adolescents aged 15–16 reported having been drunk at least once in their lifetime, 46% had smoked conventional cigarettes, 56% had tried e-cigarettes and 1 in 16 had experimented with illicit substances.
Built around the message that “prevention starts with connection”, the campaign highlights the role of trust, belonging and supportive connections as key protective factors for young people’s mental health and well-being. Through awareness-raising videos, a podcast series and vorbestecumine.info.ro (“Talk to Me”), a digital platform co-created with adolescents, the campaign encourages open conversations between young people and the adults in their lives. The platform offers practical resources for parents and teachers, youth-generated content and opportunities to discuss issues that often remain unspoken, helping to foster dialogue, understanding and support.
Youth voices at the centre
The campaign’s core message was best captured by the young people who helped shape it.
The launch event brought together adolescents, parents, teachers, mental health and addiction prevention specialists, government representatives and civil society organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting young people through collaboration across sectors.
Among the speakers was Stefan, 1 of 4 high-school students who took the stage during the event, who reflected, “This is what prevention means to me: a large network of relationships where you can share what is on your mind, and if one thread breaks, the others will hold you. This is why I am grateful we are here today with parents and teachers, listening to one another.”
His words captured the central idea behind the campaign: that supportive relationships, open communication and a sense of belonging are essential protective factors for young people’s mental health and well-being.
Opening the event, Romania’s First Lady, Mirabela Grădinaru, emphasized the importance of collective action. “Prevention starts with relationships, but it is built together. When public institutions, specialists, schools, families and communities work together, we can create an environment where children and adolescents feel heard, understood and supported.”
Cseke Attila, Interim Minister of Health, echoed this message, noting that “prevention begins with trust, dialogue and relationships in which adolescents feel seen and heard”. He also highlighted ongoing national investments in mental health promotion and early intervention for young people.
The campaign aligns with WHO’s broader commitment to promoting mental health, strengthening prevention and supporting environments where children and adolescents can grow up healthy, connected and empowered to reach their full potential.
Across the WHO European Region, WHO works with countries to strengthen child and adolescent mental health through evidence-based prevention, early intervention, meaningful youth participation and accessible, people-centred services that help young people thrive.
In Romania, this commitment includes supporting national efforts to strengthen mental health promotion, prevent addictive behaviours and improve access to quality care for children, adolescents and their families.
Speaking on behalf of WHO, Ioana Novac, Head of the WHO Country Office in Romania, stressed the importance of coordinated action. “Romania has dedicated professionals, valuable expertise and strong national and international partnerships. The challenge is to bring these resources together in a coordinated effort that reaches every young person. Prevention works best when families, schools, communities and the health system work together.”