By Youness Lasfar
Across the Mediterranean and beyond, health systems are being reshaped by the rapid advance of digital technologies. Artificial Intelligence, big data, and telemedicine are no longer abstract ideas; they are becoming part of everyday healthcare. Yet, the governance of these tools — how they are designed, regulated, and used — will determine whether they truly serve the needs of all people. In this transformation, the voice of youth is not just important, it is essential.
Young people make up a significant share of the Mediterranean population. They are not only the largest group of future patients but also the emerging workforce, innovators, and advocates who will define the region’s health systems in the coming decades. Excluding them from governance processes would mean ignoring the insights of those most directly affected by the long-term impact of digital health.
Youth bring unique perspectives to the conversation. Many of us are digital natives who have grown up using technology in ways previous generations have not. We understand how young patients interact with apps, social media, and digital tools, and we are quick to recognize both the opportunities and risks. When youth are included in decision-making, policies and systems can better reflect real user needs, avoid unnecessary complexity, and promote trust.
Youth engagement also strengthens accountability. Too often, decisions about health data or AI are made behind closed doors by governments or technology companies. By involving young people — whether through youth councils, advisory boards, or regional networks — transparency improves and communities gain a stronger sense of ownership. This is especially critical in regions where mistrust in institutions can undermine adoption of digital health solutions.
In recent years, there have been promising examples of youth engagement in global health governance. Initiatives like the #MyHealthFutures Youth Network and regional youth advisory committees have shown how young people can co-create research, lead advocacy, and push for equity in policy frameworks. Within the Mediterranean, youth networks linked to Erasmus+, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and other cross-border platforms are beginning to raise questions about AI ethics, privacy, and fairness. These voices need to be amplified, institutionalized, and heard at every level of governance.
Of course, meaningful youth participation is not without challenges. Structural barriers, limited resources, and lack of recognition often prevent young people from being involved in high-level discussions. Many youth networks are underfunded or rely heavily on volunteers, making it difficult to sustain long-term engagement. Moreover, tokenism — inviting one or two young representatives without giving them real influence — remains a serious risk. To avoid this, youth must be integrated into governance structures in a way that gives them genuine power to shape outcomes.
What does this mean for digital health governance in practice? It means ensuring that young experts and activists are invited to policy consultations, technical working groups, and regional dialogues. It means funding youth-led research and giving visibility to young entrepreneurs working on health technology solutions. It means creating mentorship schemes that connect young voices with experienced policymakers, so knowledge flows both ways. Most importantly, it means treating youth not as beneficiaries but as partners.
In the Mediterranean, this partnership has the potential to transform digital health governance into a truly inclusive process. With its diversity of cultures, languages, and political systems, the region can set an example of how intergenerational collaboration shapes policies that are ethical, equitable, and future-oriented. By placing youth at the center, Mediterranean countries can build digital health systems that respond not only to current challenges but also to the aspirations of the next generation.
The governance of digital health is about more than technology. It is about values: equity, transparency, and human rights. Youth embody these values in their calls for justice, inclusivity, and sustainability. Their voices are not optional — they are the foundation of a digital health future that works for all.
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