Collaborative Progress: Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Health at SNF Nostos 2026

As the Stavros Niarchos Foundation commemorates three decades of profound philanthropic endeavors, an assembly of international leaders and experts will convene at SNF Nostos 2026, held from June 21 to 28, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, Greece. This significant gathering aims to foster the exchange of innovative concepts and pragmatic strategies for forging a brighter future. The Child Mind Institute is honored to be a participant in this landmark anniversary celebration, deeply appreciative of SNF's sustained partnership and unwavering dedication to advancing the mental well-being of children and adolescents across the globe.

Global Dialogue on Youth Mental Health at SNF Nostos 2026

Throughout the SNF Nostos 2026 week, the Child Mind Institute, in collaboration with the SNF Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, will actively engage in crucial discussions. These dialogues will explore the intricate connections between youth mental health and contemporary societal challenges, including the spheres of education, technological advancements, social equity, and workforce development. The conversations will unite diverse perspectives, all underscored by a collective conviction that meaningful progress necessitates interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and international cooperation.

A featured panel, titled “SNF’s Global Health Initiative (GHI): Focus on Mental Health,” will bring together distinguished figures. Andreas Dracopoulos, co-president of SNF, will be joined by Harold S. Koplewicz, MD, founding president and medical director of the Child Mind Institute, Giovanni Abrahão Salum, MD, PhD, senior vice president of Global Programs, and other international specialists. Their discussion will delve into strategies for establishing sustainable mental health support to fortify communities and enhance outcomes for young people globally. Emphasis will be placed on approaches that are locally driven, empirically supported, and meticulously tailored to meet the distinct needs of varied communities.

Furthermore, the SNF Global Center and its Global Youth Advisory Council (GYAC) will host their inaugural in-person meeting to facilitate two key conversations. These sessions will focus on promoting collaborative and community-centric strategies for mental health: “Strengthening Mental Health Systems through Cross-Country Partnerships: Case Studies from Greece, South Africa, Brazil, and Mozambique” and “Youth Voices Driving Digital Innovation in Mental Health Interventions.” These discussions are designed to showcase how different nations and communities are constructing more robust support systems through local leadership, meaningful youth participation, and inventive approaches to care.

Building upon the momentum generated by the SNF Global Center’s inaugural Global Summit on Youth Mental Health in 2025 and the ongoing efforts of the GYAC, SNF Nostos 2026 will also underscore the vital role young individuals play in shaping the future of mental health. Throughout the week, youth leaders will share their insights on how lived experiences, community engagement, and innovative thinking can contribute to the creation of more responsive and effective support systems.

Additionally, a pivotal Evidence-to-Policy Review will be unveiled, exploring the complexities of navigating adolescence in an increasingly digital world. Commissioned by the Prime Minister of Greece and developed through the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) in Greece, this youth-led report synthesizes the latest evidence, incorporates youth perspectives, and outlines a comprehensive roadmap for governments, institutions, and communities to better support young people in Greece and beyond. Having originated in Greece, CAMHI has since expanded its reach, establishing core hubs in South Africa and Brazil, and forming partnerships across numerous low- and middle-income countries. We eagerly anticipate the positive global impact this expansion will have on youth mental health.

In a special highlight of the celebration, the Child Mind Institute will present a video reflecting on its transformative partnership with SNF and the extraordinary advancements made possible through the SNF Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Over the past six years, this collaboration has significantly expanded access to care, bolstered mental health systems, empowered local leaders, and amplified youth voices within communities worldwide.

SNF Nostos 2026 stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements possible when individuals unite with a shared purpose. With humanity at its core, this event serves as a powerful reminder that sustained progress originates with people—especially the youth, families, communities, and dedicated leaders committed to their support. Together, we can cultivate a world where the well-being of every child is prioritized.