Youth mental wellbeing in Asia-Pacific Region – a case for investing in prevention and promotion

With over 750 million young people aged 15 to 24 in South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, the mental health and wellbeing of youth in the APAC region demand urgent attention. Alarmingly, nearly half of all mental health issues begin by age 14, and suicide is one of leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in many countries . The cost of inaction is staggering, both in human and economic terms. Research indicates that many mental health conditions start early in life and, if left unaddressed, can impact education, employment, and relationships into adulthood .

The APAC region is incredibly diverse in terms of geography, culture, and income levels, presenting both opportunities and challenges for improving youth mental wellbeing. Investing in the prevention of mental health conditions and the promotion of mental wellbeing can yield significant returns. For instance, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis for adolescent mental health interventions across 36 countries found that each dollar invested yields a return of 23.6. However, mental health often receives less than 1% of health budgets in many parts of the region , while even less goes to mental wellbeing promotion initiatives.

Promotion initiatives aim to create supportive environments that enhance psychological wellbeing by improving emotional literacy and empowering youth with positive coping mechanisms. Prevention focuses on identifying and mitigating risk factors for mental health conditions, addressing determinants to minimise the onset of these conditions for the most vulnerable groups.

This White Paper builds on several effective examples across the region and aims to guide public and private organisations, institutions, policymakers, and civil society on how to best support youth mental wellbeing. All actors play a crucial role in scaling youth mental wellbeing initiatives and bridging the funding gaps. This paper calls for investment in three key areas: cross-sector collaborations, schools that integrate mental wellbeing with learning, and community-based support systems. Promising initiatives include youth-led platforms, sports initiatives, emotional education programs, and blended financing models, which combine the strengths of different sectors to create lasting change.

Working towards a vision of a future where young people's mental wellbeing is supported requires immediate action and long-term commitment. This includes policies focused on prevention, sustainable funding, a trained workforce, and governance that incorporates youth voices from diverse cultural backgrounds. Most importantly, it requires a shift in mindset to recognise youth mental health and wellbeing as essential to societal resilience and economic growth.

Currently, the World Health Assembly 2025 is taking place in Geneva from May 19-27, under the theme "One World for Health." Addressing youth mental wellbeing is a critical topic, as the mental health of young people is foundational to achieving broader health goals. The Assembly provides a platform for global leaders to discuss and commit to actionable strategies that prioritise the mental health of youth, recognising it as a cornerstone for sustainable development and societal resilience.

“The time for fragmented solutions is over. We must align across sectors, scale proven approaches, build collaborations and invest in systems that put young people at the center. The future of the APAC region depends on it. Together, we can create environments where young people not only survive but thrive,” says Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation.

“In Malaysia, we’re seeing a growing awareness around youth mental health, but awareness alone isn’t enough. We need to move from conversation to action by investing in early prevention and creating supportive systems that reflect the real needs of young people. This means working with schools, communities and partners to build an environment where mental wellbeing is a shared priority. At Zurich Malaysia, we believe in caring for what matters, and that means supporting our youth today, to create a healthier, more resilient tomorrow” said Erin Hwang, Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at Zurich Malaysia.