Harmonia Congress in Valencia to Address Childhood Well-being Post-Pandemic

A significant decline in the quality of childhood life in wealthy nations following the pandemic has prompted a critical response. The Harmonia Congress, hosted by La Salle in valencia on October 28, will convene leading experts to address the deteriorating mental and physical health, and overall well-being of children and adolescents. This event aims to identify strategies for fostering healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives for young people.

Addressing the Decline in Childhood Well-being

The upcoming Harmonia Congress directly responds to alarming findings from a recent UNICEF report, which highlighted a concerning decline in childhood well-being across affluent countries. The report indicated a drop in school performance, increased overweight levels, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction among children. these trends underscore the increasing fragility of advancements in childhood welfare, notably in the face of global crises.

Did You Know? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, mental health conditions account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in people aged 10-19 years.

The Harmonia Congress: A Extensive Approach

La Salle, an institution with over 300 years of history and 115 educational centers across Spain and Portugal, is organizing the Harmonia Congress to foster a comprehensive discussion on childhood well-being. The congress will feature prominent figures and experts in mental health, education, digital rights, and psychiatry. the goal is to establish a foundation for ensuring children and young people experience balanced and fulfilling lives across all aspects of their advancement and happiness.

Brother Jesús Félix Martínez, the event coordinator, emphasized that the congress is designed to “update and share innovative impressions, knowledge, strategies, and approaches that contribute to reflect on this issue from different perspectives, as well as the creation of safe, healthy, and stimulating spaces for childhood and youth.”

Why “Harmonia”?

The name “Harmonia,” derived from the Greek word for balance and coherence, reflects the congress’s mission to create a harmonious and well-balanced surroundings for children’s development. The congress seeks to “inspire a unique melody, composed of notes that remind us of the importance of taking care of the well-being of children and young people,” according to Martínez.It aims to identify the elements that contribute to personal growth, learning, and overall realization through balance and harmony.

Prestigious Speakers and Participants

The Harmonia Congress will feature a diverse range of speakers from leading institutions and organizations. Notable participants include:

• Eulalia German Ripoll, Director of Strategic Innovation at Fad Youth.
• Mark Dangerfield Gudiol, Director of the University Institute of Mental Health I Barraquer of the Ramón Llul University.
• Nacho Guadix García, responsible for education and digital rights of childhood at UNICEF.
• José Manuel Márquez Merino, associated researcher at the Welfare Research Center at Oxford University.
• Beatriz Martínez Núñez,specialist in child psychiatry and adolescence at the Niño Jesús Hospital.
• Isabel Giménez García, Judge of the Barcelona Family Court, recognized for her innovative approach to justice for minors.

Pro Tip: Engaging with experts and understanding diverse perspectives is crucial for developing effective strategies to support childhood well-being.

Congress Details

The Harmonia Congress will take place on October 28 in Valencia. It is expected to draw a wide audience of educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the well-being of children and adolescents. Registration details and further details can be found on the official congress website.

What steps can communities take to proactively support children’s mental health? How can technology be used responsibly to enhance, rather than detract from, childhood well-being?