Cape Town meeting of the Second Lancet Commission
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) recently hosted a meeting of the second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Cape Town, South Africa, from December 4th to 8th, 2023.
The primary objective of the gathering was to bring together a select group of adolescent and youth reviewers, peer reviewers and members of the Commission team to rigorously review the first draft of the commission report, as well as discuss outstanding pieces of research. This meeting represented a significant opportunity for everyone involved to engage deeply with the report and offer detailed feedback.
“As a Youth Reviewer at the Cape Town meeting I felt that my voice was heard, and an inclusive space was created. Youths were centered in this space!”
Jonta Kamara, Youth Review Group
This was the Commission’s second in-person gathering, bringing together 27 Commissioners including eight Youth Commissioners, four peer-reviewers and six youth reviewers (virtual and in-person attendance). The first meeting took place in Nairobi, and you can read more about that here – https://adolescentsourfuture.com/2023/08/nairobi-meeting/.
“The Cape Town meeting ignited powerful conversations about adolescent and youth health equity and inclusion by further amplifying the voices of the underrepresented groups. Witnessing diverse perspectives come together and pave the way for effective youth participation was incredibly impactful and a privilege to be a part of. The energy and commitment leave me truly inspired.”
Nikita Ghodke, Youth Review Group
Through continued collaborative efforts, the forthcoming Commission report will offer a comprehensive set of investment, policy, and research actions aimed at securing a brighter and just future for today’s young people.
Prior to this meeting, Commissioners took the opportunity to meet with key South African stakeholders. The meeting involved lively discussions around regional trends, identification of success stories, and targeted needs for future action.
The meeting was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation nor HSRC.
—
Established in 1968 by an Act of Parliament in South Africa, the HSRC is a statutory body that undertakes social science research aimed at addressing developmental challenges on a national, regional, and continental scale. Their participation in this Commission is in keeping with their national mandate to participate in communities of practice to ensure the wellbeing of young people in the Global South and to foster civil society engagement in research.
Thank you everyone for your ideas, energy and active participation in Cape Town, even those who joined virtually. The team left energized and excited to work on the ‘final’ draft.
