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.

This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating 5 incredible women who are changing the world through their leadership in mental health advocacy.  All 5 are co-chairs of the Global Mental Health Action Network , a collective of advocates driving positive change in mental health worldwide. From suicide prevention to tackling stigma, their work is transforming lives and creating a more equitable future for #ForAllWomenAndGirls.  

The Global Mental Action Network and the Mental Health Innovation Network are partnering in a project that seeks to understand the impact of government aid funding cuts on mental health services worldwide and reimagine how the sector works.

Written by Shoukat Ali Baloch. There is no good and bad COP. However, focusing on mental health, I have observed during multilateral negotiations and party meetings, lobbyings and also personal meetings with delegates from the parties, that mental health was on their agenda and they were discussing it broadly to address the integration of mental health stressors at the grassroots level. 

The G20 Brazil is over and the presidency was delivered to South Africa… No concept better  represents the essence of our work than Ubuntu—“I am because we are.” This philosophy of interconnectedness and mutual care defines the work of a group dedicated to initially advocate for the Mantra and the prioritisation of the investment of Children and Adolescents Mental health, and later, collectively building the #ChildrenInG20

By Don Zane Muwanguzi, Team lead/founder Awesome Minds Speaks 

On World Mental Health Day (10th October 2024), the Generational Perspective Dialogue organised by Awesome Mind Speaks brought together youth, policymakers, mental health professionals, and community leaders, to tackle the pressing mental health challenges faced by Uganda's young people.