The summit aims to advance global mental health by promoting investment, innovation, and digital solutions to make services more accessible and effective.
Qatar is preparing to welcome global leaders and experts to advance mental health solutions at the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, scheduled to take place in Doha on September 30 and October 1.
The summit, organised by the Ministry of Public Health under the theme “Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions,” aims to explore innovative approaches and strengthen international collaboration in mental health care.
According to Ministry of Public Health’s press release, the event will see participation from health ministers, specialists, and international organisations focused on mental health.
Over two days, attendees will engage in two panel discussions, six workshops, and various accompanying activities.
Officials, policymakers, and experts will address pressing mental health issues and share strategies to improve access and services worldwide, with a total of 64 local and international speakers contributing to the discussions.
Salih Ali Al Marri, Chair of the Organising Committee, stressed the summit’s significance in promoting global mental health.
He said, “the Sixth Ministerial Summit builds upon the achievements of previous summits and features a comprehensive agenda and global partnerships to ensure the challenges facing mental health worldwide are addressed. It draws from outstanding experiences to ensure that all people, everywhere without exception, have easy access to effective and sustainable mental health services.”
Hosting the summit also complements Qatar’s national efforts under the Third National Development Strategy to strengthen public health.
Dévora Kestel, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organisation, highlighted the importance of innovation and digital solutions in mental health services.
She noted, “WHO greatly looks forward to the Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit being hosted this year by the Government of Qatar, and to joining the conversation on a range of critical topics for mental health, including service delivery innovation, digitisation, telehealth, and web-based technologies. In a rapidly evolving world, it is vital to learn about and practice new approaches and ways of working that can better meet the needs of those we serve.”
Sarah Kline, Chief Executive of United for Global Mental Health, pointed to the summit’s timing as an exceptional chance to coordinate practical actions following the UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.
She stated, “as Secretariat of the Global Mental Health Action Network, we are pleased to be working closely with so many stakeholders in preparing conversations on tackling stigma, reducing suicide rates, addressing the needs of young people, and strengthening mental health organisations to deliver services and support.”
The summit will also focus on sharing best practices and success stories across regions, advancing community-based mental health models, and developing a global resolution on mental health.
By promoting investment in mental health research and innovation, it aims to ensure that services are accessible and effective worldwide.
