Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026

Mental health and wellbeing are fundamental to children’s ability to learn, develop and thrive. With mental health conditions often emerging early in life, child and adolescent mental health must be central to Pakistan’s efforts to build a healthier and resilient generation. We need to shift from crisis response towards promotion, prevention, early identification, and specialized care. As children and adolescents increasingly navigate digital spaces, safe, inclusive and supportive online environments must also form part of our approach to mental health and wellbeing. Adolescents must be at the heart of mental health initiatives, with meaningful opportunities to shape the policies, services, and solutions that support their wellbeing.

We must also recognize the growing intersection between climate change and child and adolescent mental health, and climate resilience must include mental-health resilience. UNICEF remains committed to working with Government, partners, and young people to ensure every child can access the support needed to thrive.

It is a privilege to welcome you to the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026 at a defining moment for our country. As Pakistan advances its National Mental Health Policy 2026–35, we have an opportunity to turn commitment into action.

At the Global Institute of Human Development, our focus is simple: connect evidence, policy and implementation to improve lives, especially for children, young people and underserved communities.

We are honoured to work alongside the Ministry, WHO, UNICEF, STMU and our partners to help build a more equitable, resilient and future-ready mental health system for Pakistan.

It is a privilege for Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) to co-host the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026 with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and partners.

I warmly congratulate the Ministry and the people of Pakistan on the development of the country’s first National Mental Health Policy 2026–35, a landmark step in making mental health a national health and development priority.

At STMU, we see nation building as a core responsibility. Through education, research, clinical services and GIHD, we remain committed to translating this historic policy into sustainable impact for Pakistan.