14 August 2018, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

The APEC Health Working Group (HWG) hosted a successful Policy Dialogue on Mental Health, human development and economic prosperity in the Asia Pacific Region, one of a suite of official APEC meetings taking place ahead of the Third Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea this month.

APEC delegates and guests pose for a group photo at the Health Working Group's Health Policy Dialogue on the theme of Mental Health
Participants in the APEC Health Working Group (HWG) Health Policy Dialogue on the theme of Mental Health pose for a group photo. 

The event aimed to build capacity through knowledge and information sharing and advance the case for investing in mental health to ensure strong economic growth and development in the Asia-Pacific.  Key topics included mental health promotion and prevention, Universal Health Coverage, vulnerable populations, workplace wellness, school-based interventions, and data collection and evaluation.  

Experts from APEC member economies participated in panels and guided discussions with participants. Dr. Raymond Lam, Executive Director for the Digital Hub, spoke on the topic of workplace wellness and led a table discussion on the role of employers in protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace.

The meeting was led by HWG Co-Chairs Mr. Ken Kandap Wai, Executive Manager, Strategic Policy Division, Department of Health of Papua New Guinea, and Ms Sarah Jean Lawley, Director General, Office of International Affairs for the Health Portfolio for the 
Government of Canada.