The Global Mental Health Action Network are co-leading a special issue for the Journal of Public Mental Health on integrating physical and mental health. we are seeking to create a blueprint for pragmatic, resource-sensitive integration of policies and services. At this point in time, we are not seeking to be convinced about integration. We know that collaborative care models, where NCD care and mental health care are integrated and provided in the primary and community care setting, are effective for patients, strengthen health care service systems, and reduce costs.

Over two days, ministers, advocates and people with lived experience from all parts of the world shared the stage at thed 6th Global Mental Health Ministerial Summit. The delegation from the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) and United for Global Mental Health emphasised the need for deinstitutionalising mental health care, integrating stigma-reduction initiatives in national mental health programmes, and championing youth mental health. 

In September 2025, the High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health was convened by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to help governments reach agreements and make commitments on global issues. Over the last 20 years, several health issues had been prioritised on the global agenda through HLMs at the UNGA, and there have been 3 HLMs focused on NCDs in the past. But this was a rare opportunity for mental health to be at the core of such a meeting.

The significance of the 6th Global Mental Health Ministerial Summit in Qatar is profoundly amplified by its timing, following closely the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health. Building on the UN Political Declaration, ministers, practitioners, advocates and experts are gathering in Doha to reiterate a powerful mandate for change and a renewed global commitment. And the timing of the Summit means that the conversation needs to shift from a forum of discussion to an engine of implementation.

The stigma we are fighting in our local communities goes right up to the top of the ladder. It is critical for those in power to see world leaders, who set the standard, commit to mental health and publicly advocate for countries to take steps to include mental health and suicide prevention programming in their social development initiatives. We must equip those who are shaping public health with the rationale and the defense for new policies, new structures, all built with Persons with Lived Experience and patients at the center.

Coming from a region marked by decades of instability and turmoil, I have seen how every type of crisis, whether war, economic collapse, or displacement, leaves one constant consequence: poor mental health. If global leaders make strong commitments on mental health at the UN HLM, it could directly benefit Lebanon by helping secure more sustainable resources, encouraging the allocation of a fair share of the national budget to mental health, and elevating mental health as a legislative and policy priority.

My personal journey with mental health began at a very young age. Growing up, I witnessed the stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers that affected millions of people with lived mental health experiences in my home country, Peru, including my brother, who lives with schizophrenia. The UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health provides a critical opportunity to promote global action. It’s a chance to ensure that mental health is recognized as an essential component of health and sustainable development.

For many women, pregnancy and childbirth bring joy and contentment. For others, it is a period fraught with anxiety, depression and isolation as they struggle to adjust to their new realities while dealing with other demands of life. Too many of these women suffer in silence, often going without diagnosis, treatment and support, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and gaps in mental health provision. Maternal suicide is not inevitable. With timely intervention, robust health systems, and supportive communities, motherhood can be a period of joy rather than despair.

This year, young people engaged and took leadership roles on the road to the High-Level Meeting (HLM) in many ways. We invited young professionals to our HLM STAG, made sure that their priorities were reflected in our collective global priorities, and facilitated them to be front and centre in important meetings and events in the decision-making rooms

Participating in the advocacy efforts around the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in New York was a formative experience — one that brought to life what meaningful youth engagement can look like in global health spaces. For many of us, it was the first time having a voice in such a high-level setting. We weren’t there just to observe, we were there to contribute, think critically, share our perspectives, and advocate for the beliefs, values and communities we care about.

This is an important year for global mental health. In September 2025, for the first time in the history of the United Nations, mental health will be discussed at the core of a meeting of Heads of State at the General Assembly. GMHAN has been playing a strategic role as the convener of the sector since early 2024, coordinating the global sector and ensuring that the voices of lived experience are being heard at the highest level.

This year’s funding cuts by the US Government (on funds such as USAID and PEPFAR) and other countries' reduction of aid have been felt intensely around the world. Our joint work between the Global Mental Health Action Network and the Mental Health Innovation Network now outlines for the first time the impact of these funding cuts on global mental health.

The Global Mental Health Action Network’s (GMHAN) presence at the World Health Assembly (WHA78) was about more than just hosting and participating in events, it was our strategy in practice. Our activities and engagements are an example of the change we hope to see in the mental health and broader health sectors, with community voices and experts by experience meaningfully included in shaping global policy.

Ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs and Mental Health, the Global Mental Health Action Network mobilised a delegation of 40 advocates from 30 countries in NYC. Over just 4 days, we hosted an advocacy workshop, held 23 meetings with UN missions covering 5 continents, participated in 7 side events, and carried one unified message at the UN Multistakeholder Hearing: mental health must be prioritised at the upcoming HLM.

As the world prepares for the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health, GMHAN members are stepping up to ensure mental health is treated as a core pillar of global health and development. Next week in New York, a powerful and diverse group of GMHAN advocates are taking part in the multi-stakeholder hearing to call for urgent action and meaningful change. We are honoured to introduce these inspiring changemakers and the vital work they lead. 

As the world prepares for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health, GMHAN members  are stepping up to ensure mental health is treated as a core pillar of global health and development. They bring lived experience, expertise, and a deep understanding of the impact of mental health conditions and NCDs in their communities. We are introducing these inspiring changemakers and the vital work they lead.

Young people are key drivers of change in the mental health movement and their leadership was on full display at the recent youth multi-stakeholder hearing organised by WHO. Held as part of the lead up to the 2025 UN High Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, it brought together people from across the globe. We are proud to see young people from our Network participating in this critical dialogue. Here, they speak about their work, their takeaways from the event and what they hope to see on the road to the 2025 HLM. 

As we approach the UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (HLM4) in September 2025, there is a real opportunity to secure meaningful commitments that prioritise mental health in the global NCD response. Two key advocacy tools can help make that happen: the Kigali Youth Declaration and The Call to Lead on NCDs.

Mental health care in China is changing but not quickly enough for the people quietly struggling today. The challenge isn’t just awareness or resources; it’s how we scale care, build trust, and create culturally responsive systems that meet people where they are.

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a promise—that no one, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, is denied the healthcare they need. Yet, despite the aspiration, this promise remains incomplete because mental health continues to be undervalued, underfunded, and under-prioritised.