Oral

The World health Organization’s World Report on Violence and Health characterized violence as a universal challenge. In the report’s forward, Nelson Mandela said, “The twentieth century will be remembered as a century marked by violence…Violence can be prevented. In my own country and around the world, we have shining examples of how violence has been countered. Governments, communities and individuals can make a difference.” The message of the World Report on Violence and Health is that a political commitment is imperative and change is possible. UNITY (Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth), The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Global Violence Prevention, highlight policy as a key lever for change and for institutionalizing a public health approach. With an emphasis on policy implications, this session will feature a global and a national violence prevention initiative, as well as the perspective of policy makers on this issue.

Session Objectives: 1. Recognize violence as an international public health problem that can be prevented. 2. Identify global and national violence prevention initiatives. 3. Discuss the UNITY vision for safer cities and thriving youth. 4. Articulate the policy implications of advancing the movement to prevent violence.