Maria Martha Barreneche, PhD

Maria Martha Barreneche, PhD, is a youth advocacy, mental health, and well-being specialist at the United Nations Youth Office (UNYO), where she advises on youth mental health policy and programming. She is the lead architect of the UNYO Youth Mental Health & Well-Being Flagship Initiative, advancing evidence-based, youth-centered approaches through multilateral coordination, research, and meaningful youth engagement.

With over a decade of experience at the intersection of education, mental health, public policy, and youth development, Dr. Barreneche has led initiatives across five continents, working with governments and, U.N. entities as well as academic, and grassroots organizations to promote youth well-being and participation.