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Childhood sets the pattern for adult life.

A number of policy initiatives address children and young people for example on education, health and social inclusion, but there is a need for joined-up thinking. There is good evidence that early nutrition, stable family lives and stimulating but safe environments are vital in the first few years of life. Inequality, social stigmatisation and exclusion during childhood have a devastating effect with resulting behaviour (truancy, delinquency) often undermining any community support for the young people. The opportunity to provide 'springboards' out of poverty and related inequalities must be seized. Interventions later in life are costly, less effective and more difficult to put in place.

Across Europe there are significant challenges in the health and wellbeing of children and young people but also examples of good practice and evidence. Some countries have lessons to share on tackling specific issues, for example reducing teenage pregnancies, delaying onset of drinking, nutrition education, reducing accidental drownings etc.

The issue of children and young people is moving up the political agenda nationally and internationally.

A major international conference on the the health and well-being of children and young people in Europe was held in Brussels on 9-10 November 2005, in the Committee of the Regions and ECOSOC building, rue Belliard 101. The event brought together 250 local and regional authorities, practitioners, NGOs and policy-makers from across Europe and will feed into key EU initiatives such as a Communication on implementation of children's rights, the YOUTH PACT, a Communication on the health of young people and other EU activities that impact on children.

The aim of the conference was to explore if children and young people are adequately supported and protected within the EU framework and to share examples of good practice in working with and empowering young people.

The conference was a UK Presidency Associated Event under the Department of Health's focus on health inequalities and was hosted by the Committee of the Regions. 'Future Europeans' explored this theme with respect to children and young people and aimed to stimulate an interesting debate on the conditions necessary to create a healthy start in life for Europe's young. Through plenary sessions, workshops and an 'ideas market place' exhibition area the conference provided ample opportunities for fruitful discussions, learning from experts in the field, and sharing examples of best practice. The conference was also an opportunity to celebrate Europe's children and young people and featured several contributions from this group itself.

'Future Europeans' was organised by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), the West Midlands, North-West regions of the UK and Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex County Councils and Southampton City Council.