Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2026: A Turning Point From Iloilo!

Let’s be honest with each other: it has not been an easy year.

For many of us in the mental health sector — activists, practitioners, and young people fighting on the frontlines — the weight of the work often feels heavier than the support available to us. We talk about burnout, both as an issue and as something we all experience as advocates; we talk about systemic barriers that sometimes seem to be a little too tall to overcome; and sometimes, in the quiet moments, we wonder if our work really made any changes, or whether ‘the needle’ is really moving towards the right way.

But this is precisely why we need to come together. More than meeting each other, we are going to reimagine how we do our mental health advocacy to be more inclusive and impactful.

With this spirit, we are incredibly excited to share that the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN) is organizing the 4th Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum. And this time, we are bringing the conversation to the beautiful Iloilo City, Philippines.

The theme for the Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2026 is "Reimagining Global Mental Health: No Voice Left Behind." The "No Voice Left Behind" part is more than just a tagline. It’s an acknowledgement that, for too long, the global discourse on mental health has been dominated by the same voices from the same places. Therefore, it’s about time we center the lived experiences of those often pushed to the margins: grassroots organizations, young activists from the Global South, marginalized groups, and local communities who are doing the heavy lifting of care every single day.

Here is why the upcoming Advocacy Forum in Iloilo City will be different, and why it will be a turning point for our global movement for mental health:

Image by Vinson Tan ( 楊 祖 武 ) from Pixabay

1. A Historic First

This is the first time a convening of this scale—the largest gathering of mental health stakeholders—is taking place in Iloilo City, located in the Philippines, Southeast Asia. From February 2nd to 4th 2026, the Forum will be joined by almost 500 advocates from 70+ countries. The Forum offers a series of workshops, plenary sessions, and site visits that will be inspiring and memorable for all advocates who are attending the Forum.

2. A Collaborative Effort

GMHAN is thrilled to be co-organizing the Forum with #MentalHealthPH, who is hosting community booths filled with amazing mental health advocates across the globe. The Forum also offers collaborative workshops led by both local and global advocates on issues that intersect with mental health such as healthcare, climate, financing, to voices of youth and LGBTIQ+ communities.

3. A Wide Range of Participants

Over three days, we will unite almost 500 advocates from 70+ countries. We are creating a space where donors sit with activists, where UN agencies listen to grassroots practitioners, and where academics from leading institutions meet with young advocates and people with lived experiences. Whether you are joining us in Iloilo or logging in via our interactive virtual lobby, you are part of this collective impact.

We have been working incredibly hard to ensure this is the most inclusive event we have ever hosted. If you are joining online, expect more than just a webinar! Expect live networking, a library of resources, and a chance to exchange experiences with each other.

We cannot build a mental health system that works for all if we don't build it with all of us, together. So, we look forward to welcoming you all at the Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2026. We invite all of you to bring your stories, your struggles, and your solutions. Let’s learn, grow, and drive the systems change we so desperately need, together.

See you in Iloilo!