IAC CEO Naoise Kelly with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
As the global representative body for the counselling profession and an international non-governmental organization with United Nations consultative status, IAC was invited to participate in three days of high-level meetings at the World Health Organization 8-10 October, 2024. IAC is representing its international community of counsellors at two key events:
Event 1: Meeting of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in Official Relations with WHO working on Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use (MNS) Conditions (8 October) Attending this meeting presents valuable opportunities for IAC to expand its global influence and advance its mission. Specifically, IAC is focused on:
- Strengthening its partnership with the WHO and Non-State Actors (NSAs).
- Advocating for the essential role of counselling within the global health agenda.
- Aligning IAC's initiatives with WHO’s strategic priorities in Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use (MNS) conditions, ensuring that IAC’s contributions effectively support global health objectives in mental health.
- Addressing collaboration challenges to create more effective and impactful partnerships.
Event 2: WHO Mental Health Forum 2024 (9 & 10 October) “Global Mental Health in Motion: Looking Back, Looking Forward”
This forum, convened by WHO, is a crucial gathering focused on advancing the global mental and brain health agenda. It began with strategic remarks from WHO leaders, including Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Dévora Kestel. The event centers on addressing Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use (MNS) conditions, which remain a significant global health burden. Its purpose is to enhance collaboration between WHO, Member States, and NSAs, sharing best practices and aligning efforts with WHO’s strategic goals in mental health care, neurological health, and substance use treatment.
This forum, convened by WHO, is a crucial gathering focused on advancing the global mental and brain health agenda. It began with strategic remarks from WHO leaders, including Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Dévora Kestel. The event centers on addressing Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use (MNS) conditions, which remain a significant global health burden. Its purpose is to enhance collaboration between WHO, Member States, and NSAs, sharing best practices and aligning efforts with WHO’s strategic goals in mental health care, neurological health, and substance use treatment.
Attendees include representatives from over 80 countries, alongside major global organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, the World Bank, and leading academic institutions, emphasizing the importance of global representation. The forum covers critical mental health issues, including mental health in emergencies, neurodiversity, youth suicide prevention, and new policy guidelines.
A key moment of the forum is the launch of The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on mental health in Ukraine, adding urgency to the discussions surrounding mental health in crisis situations. Breakout sessions and presentations dive deep into regional mental health initiatives, fostering a collaborative and action-oriented atmosphere. The closing plenary reinforces attendees' commitment to advocacy and global cooperation, emphasizing the pivotal role of international partnerships in addressing mental health challenges and improving outcomes worldwide.
The Global Mental Health Forum, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, is a cornerstone event for uniting global efforts to ensure mental health, neurological care, and substance use prevention are prioritized on the global health agenda. (details here).
