Oct 12, 2018

On October 9-10, 2018, Health Ministers, researchers, policy makers and people with lived experience from more than 30 countries around the globe gathered for the first time to address pressing issues in mental health.  The Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, hosted by the UK Government in partnership with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted shared values and the need for international collaboration. 

Dr. Raymond Lam, Executive Director for the APEC Digital Hub for Mental Health, presented on the role of and opportunities for employers in promoting workplace mental health, one of a series of sessions on the theme of "The economics of and returns on investments in mental health." The APEC Digital Health for Mental Health is an exemplar for public-private partnerships driving innovative solutions to mental health challenges and demonstrates the importance of addressing mental health issues to support economic prosperity and sustainability.

Dr. Raymond Lam (L) and colleagues from the Belgian Ministry of Health sit on the "Friendship Bench", London, 9 Oct. 2018
Dr. Raymond Lam and colleagues from the Belgian Ministry of Health sit on the Friendship Bench at the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, London, 9 October 2018

The Summit hosted six workstreams to showcase innovations from across the globe and work to develop consensus statements that were ultimately delivered to political leaders. The workstreams were:

  1. Children, Young People and the Now Generation
  2. Caring Societies: creating the conditions for inclusion, prevention and wellbeing
  3. The Economics of, and Investment in, Mental Health Finance
  4. A Just Society: supporting societal shifts, tackling stigma and discrimination, creating inclusive societies
  5. Mental Health Services around the World
  6. Research and the Future of Mental Health

The Summit also hosted the launch of the landmark Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development, the most up-to-date compendium of knowledge and best practices to promote mental wellbeing, prevent mental health problems and enable recovery, as well as a blueprint for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. From the website:

The Commission marks a milestone – that of global knowledge of mental health crossing the threshold necessary to accelerate worldwide action on this issue.

For more information on outcomes from the Summit: https://globalmhsummit.com/home

Download the Recommendations to Ministers - Achieving Equality for Mental Health in the 21st Century.

Access the Lancet Commission.