In their campaign with Unicef, TXT hopes to help create a safe and inclusive space for youth to freely express their emotions. Photo: Instagram/Unicef
When K-pop sensation Tomorrow X Together (TXT) took the stage at Unicef House in New York, the United States recently, the message was clear: The future depends on supporting young people’s mental health today.
The Gen Z icons, together with their label Big Hit Music, pledged US$1.4mil (RM5.9mil) to Unicef’s Global Mental Health Fund, launching the #TogetherForTomorrow campaign to tackle stigma and expand support for children and adolescents worldwide.
"Whenever we faced struggles in our lives, empathy, kindness and inclusion have helped us build stronger connections and find our way forward," TXT shared in a joint statement. "Together we can build the supportive relationships young people need for a compassionate, resilient tomorrow."
Haddad Mardini says Gen Z has the hope, expertise and commitment needed to build a more compassionate and resilient world, but needs support to do so. Photo: UnicefThe collaboration comes at a pivotal moment. Unicef’s "Perceptions of Youth Mental Health Report" released mid-2025 found that while Gen Z is resilient and socially engaged, many are overwhelmed.
Six in 10 young people said they feel consumed by constant news of global crises, while four in 10 still feel stigma when discussing mental health at school or work.
Half don’t know where to find help, and only 55% believe they have effective coping mechanisms.
"This report provides a vital glimpse into the collective unease Gen Z is feeling at the current state of the world," said Carla Haddad Mardini, Unicef's private fundraising and partnerships director.
"This generation has the hope, expertise and commitment needed to build a more compassionate and resilient world - but they cannot do it without support."
The statistics are sobering. Globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental health condition. Nearly half of all mental health issues begin before age 18, but stigma and lack of resources often prevent young people from seeking help.
We truly hope that this fund will reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure that all children around the world get the mental health support they need, TXT's Choi Soo-bin said. Photo: Instagram/UnicefFor TXT, the decision to partner with Unicef felt natural.
Over the past six years, their music has openly chronicled growth, worries and hope, forming a soundtrack that resonates deeply with young fans navigating similar struggles.
"So many people have told us they found comfort in our music, and we have found comfort in their words too," said group leader Soobin.
"Through our musical journey, we’ve learnt that expressing our emotions is a sign of strength. Now, in our campaign with Unicef, we want to help create a safe and inclusive space for youth to freely express their emotions," said Soobin.
Speaking at the launch, Soobin emphasised the group’s vision.
"We truly hope that this fund will reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure that all children around the world get the mental health support they need."
Unicef teams up with TXT-BigHit for a youth mental campaign. Photo: Instagram/UnicefPartnerships between youth icons and global organisations can make a critical difference, breaking through stigma that often silences conversations about mental well-being.
TXT members Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai are not only chart-topping artists but also role models embodying openness and vulnerability.
"To those who love our music, it may feel natural that we are starting a mental health campaign for youth," the group noted.
"Many people may wish to hide their emotions, but we choose to share them through music. That choice has helped us and our fans feel less alone."
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Unicef’s report found that 60% of Gen Z remain optimistic and want to actively shape a better future.
That resilience, coupled with global efforts like Together for Tomorrow, points towards a world where every young person can access the support they need.
The Together for Tomorrow campaign will unfold throughout 2026, combining Unicef’s global reach with TXT’s unique influence.
Beyond the initial US$1.4mil donation, additional funds will be raised through fan engagement, ensuring the campaign grows into a truly collective movement.
Russell says TXT's message of empathy and resilience creates more space for mental health conversations. Photo: UnicefThe funding will support a wide range of initiatives that include training professionals who work with youth, creating safe spaces for open conversations, and developing practical resources for children, caregivers and educators. It will also strengthen global research to close gaps in youth mental health data.
"Their message of empathy and resilience creates more space for mental health conversations and helps equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive."
