November 8, 2024
From March 17th to 19th, Reykjavík became the meeting point for a global community dedicated to youth development and substance prevention. The PY Conference 2025 brought together policymakers, educators, researchers, youth workers, and community leaders to share experiences, explore solutions, and strengthen our collective commitment to creating healthier environments for young people.
The event offered space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. Now that the conference has come to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the key themes, inspiring stories, and lasting connections forged during these unforgettable three days.
The conference began with a strong focus on upstream prevention—addressing root causes and reinforcing protective factors early in a young person’s life. Sessions on Day 1 highlighted how data-driven, community-led efforts can reduce substance use and promote well-being, reminding us that long-term change is possible when prevention becomes a shared responsibility.
Day 2 turned our attention to this year’s central theme: The Cultural Transferability of the Icelandic Prevention Model. International speakers shared their experiences adapting the model to diverse local settings—each story reinforcing the importance of cultural sensitivity, community ownership, and the understanding that prevention must be shaped by the people it serves.
On the final day, the spotlight was on Iceland. Icelandic youth workers, local experts, and prevention teams offered insight into how the model functions at the community level. Some participants also joined study visits to nearby municipalities, gaining a firsthand look at long-term prevention in action.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came when young people from Scotland and Iceland took the stage. Speaking from personal experience, they shared what prevention means to them and how community support has shaped their paths. Their honesty, courage, and clarity moved the entire room—and their words were met with a standing ovation. It was a reminder of why we do this work and who it’s ultimately for.
These experiences left many attendees inspired to apply new ideas back home—grounded in both global knowledge and local relevance.
To everyone who took part—thank you. Your curiosity, openness, and dedication gave the Planet Youth Conference 2025 its spirit and momentum. This was more than just a gathering; it was a collective step forward in our ongoing mission to support young people around the world.
We are grateful for the discussions, the partnerships, and the shared sense of purpose that emerged throughout the event. Although the conference has ended, the work continues—and we look forward to what comes next.
We’ve included a small selection of photos from the event below, with many more to come. Thank you for being part of this journey.
With appreciation,
The Planet Youth Team
