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.

I am writing this blog just after World Mental Health Day, energised by all the beautiful content, meaningful conversations and impressive work I've been noticing happening around the world over the past couple of days. But this work can also be frustrating. All too often, in meetings and events, I am reminded that it is a sector that remains unequal and, in certain respects, underdeveloped.

We stand at a critical juncture in history. More than half of the world’s children live in G20 countries, yet their rights, mental health, and well-being remain severely underrepresented in global policy agendas. Amid rising inequalities, the climate crisis, and slow progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the mental health of future generations is at risk.

Mental health issues among postpartum women in low to middle-income countries represents a silent epidemic that negatively impacts a range of health outcomes. The period following childbirth is fraught with physical, emotional, and psychological changes, which is further exacerbated by limited access to healthcare, lack of mental health awareness, and mental health stigma.

There is no health without mental health, and the attendees at AIDS 2024 wholeheartedly agree! We joined forces with United for Global Mental Health, Elton John AIDS Foundation, and The Global Fund to host the first-ever Mental Health Networking Zone at the Global Village. Exceeding all expectations, we were delighted to meet with over 700 mental health advocates—a powerful demonstration of interest and solidarity for our cause.

On Monday July 29th, a regional coalition was launched with various stakeholders from other Caribbean territories, to advocate for the decolonization of laws against suicide in Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, St. Lucia and in Grenada. This refers to the process of revising or abolishing colonial-era laws that sought to criminalize suicide and suicide attempts. Inherited from European colonial powers, these laws reflect outdated views that treat suicide as a criminal act rather than as a mental health issue.

In June the Global Mental Health Action Network Communications Working Group hosted a knowledge exchange session sponsored by Pinterest on developing case studies to tell impactful stories and support advocacy efforts and donor communications.

The Global Mental Health community has been slow to respond to the underserved needs of the LGBTQI+ community. Through the new LGBTQI+ Working Group, Co-Chairs aspire to increase coordination, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building, or else efforts will remain fragmented. It is imperative to amplify our collective voice, pool resources, and stand united in our commitment to LGBTQI+ mental health and equality.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst Caribbean youth between the ages of 15 and 25. In 2017, almost one in seven adolescent students in Trinidad and Tobago had attempted suicide. In the rest of the population, the rate of suicide attempts in the Caribbean has been steadily increasing. Survivors of suicide and self-harm require support and mental health services.

Blog co-authored by the Stigma and Discrmination Working Group Co-Chairs on why tackling stigma and discrimination matters and what the evidence tells us about tackling this issue globally.

We had the privilege of organising a webinar focused on a crucial topic, “Integrating Effective Communication in Responding to the Mental Health Needs of War-Impacted Populations in Ukraine." This event was part of the monthly knowledge and information sharing sessions organised by the Action Network Communications working group.