The 3rd Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum

online, 17-19 July 2024

The Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2024 is the third global event organised by the Global Mental Health Action Network (the Action Network). It is the largest convening of civil society stakeholders working on mental health advocacy. This event unites experts and advocates from 150+ countries, dedicated to improving mental health for all.

Over two days, we are learning about the incredible work taking place within local communities, at a national level, regionally and globally to enhance our joint advocacy efforts. During this event, we are covering everything from establishing youth leadership to exploring the detrimental impact of worsening climate conditions and the need for sustainable financing mechanisms. It is a unique opportunity to learn from peers, exchange expertise, and share the best practices for impactful advocacy.

Those registered get the opportunity to hear insights from our global community of changemakers, as well as thought leaders, including Devora Kestel (WHO), Zeinab Hijazi (UNICEF), Graham Thornicroft (King's College London), Shekhar Saxena (Harvard School of Public Health), Gary Belkin (Billion Minds Institute), Madhuri Jha (ETR), the "Wounded Healer" Ahmed Hankir, and many more! 

Our Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum is showcasing the efforts of global mental health advocacy and provides a platform to strengthen collective impact. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the world, bringing together people who are often not included in other international conferences and gatherings, including activists, grassroots organisations, practitioners, researchers, UN agencies and donors.

What is on the Advocacy Forum agenda?

Day 1

• A new Strategy for the Action Network

• Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health: Tackling a Neglected Issue

• Communications Strategies for navigating inequities in mental health funding

• Promotion and prevention in youth mental health: Global innovations

• Funding the frontline: How do we finance mental health in all policies?

• Mental Health in Universal Health Coverage - Primary Health Care and Beyond

Day 2

• How we can harness the power of storytelling to humanise persons living with a mental health condition and reject stigma

• Global Minds, One Planet: Cultivating Resilience for a Sustainable Future

• Pride & Prejudice: Navigating Queer Mental Health in Hostile Climate

• Effective suicide prevention programs and strategies: integrating local and national strategies for suicide prevention

• Navigating Mental Health Challenges in women’s lives: What does the data tell us?

• Inspiration session: Global thought leaders share what is exciting in mental health advocacy at the moment

Plus many opportunities for online networking, sharing of resources and making connections!

Continuing the conversation on global mental health beyond the Advocacy Forum

If you don’t already, please do follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

All GMHAN members are encouraged to join our Working Groups and continue the conversation in our online community of Circle. You can join Circle, our free networking platform exclusive to members here.

As the membership and Working Groups continue their connecting and influencing in 2024 and 2025, we’re also excited to plan for the next meeting. More information is coming soon.