Join us for the 7th Global Mental Health Summit, taking place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, 10-12 November 2025.
This premier event will bring together renowned experts and thought leaders from around the world to engage in critical discussions on the current state of mental health and chart a course for the future. With a focus on addressing challenges and exploring innovative solutions, this Summit promises to be a catalyst for meaningful change.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with leading minds in the field and contribute to shaping the global mental health agenda. Block your diaries now to secure your space at this transformative event!
Godfrey Kagaayi
Movement for Global Mental Health
Principal Coordinator
Dear Colleagues, Guests, and Friends,
Welcome to the 7th Summit of Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH), proudly hosted in collaboration with the Global Mental Health Peer Network, in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa.
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The theme for this year's summit, “Mental Health and Wellbeing - What has Changed? What needs to Change”, underscores the ongoing imperative to prioritize mental health on a global scale. As we navigate through numerous challenges—both natural and human-made—the importance of mental health has never been more evident. This summit is a call to action for increased investment and advocacy in mental health services worldwide.
Designed to offer valuable insights and opportunities for all, this event is open to mental health professionals, policy makers, and the general public. As the Principal Coordinator of the MGMH, I warmly invite you to join us in Cape Town. Together, we can create a dynamic platform to exchange ideas and learn from one another.Cape Town, a city rich in culture, history, and inclusivity, offers the perfect backdrop for our summit. We are preparing an engaging and diverse program that includes scientific sessions, social events, and inclusive activities designed to appeal to all attendees. This summit promises to be a memorable experience, fostering both professional development and personal growth.
Whether you wish to participate, present, sponsor, or partner with us, your presence will greatly enrich our discussions and contribute to the advancement of global mental health.
I look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in October 2025 for a transformative event.
Charlene Sunkel
Global Mental Health Peer Network
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dear fellow supporters and champions of mental health,
It has been a remarkable journey for me having been involved with the MGMH, initially as an International Advisory Board member, then assuming the role of Principal Coordinator from 2017 to 2019, and continue being part of this remarkable global network.
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This journey has come full circle, starting with the inception of GMHPN that emerged from the MGMH during my tenure as Principal Coordinator, and now, six years later, GMHPN is hosting the MGMH Secretariat and helping to plan the upcoming Summit.
I am eagerly anticipating the 7th Global Mental Health Summit to be held in Cape Town, where global experts and experts by experience will convene to reflect on our achievements in mental health and wellbeing and chart our future endeavors towards mental health and wellbeing for all. I am confident that this Summit will be extraordinary, as it underscores the invaluable role of individuals with lived experience as essential partners in our collective pursuit of our objectives.
The Summit promises to tackle current and updated situation in global mental health, latest research and innovations.The Summit pledges to address the contemporary and evolving landscape of global mental health, encompassing cutting-edge research and innovative advancements.
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to be part of the 7th Global Mental Health Summit, as a partner, funder, participant or colleague!
Prof Vikram Patel
Paul Farmer Professor and Chair, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School;
Professor, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health;
Co-Founder and Member of Managing Committee, Sangath
Dear Friends,
I am delighted that the 7th Summit of the Movement for Global Mental Health will be hosted again in Cape Town, fourteen years after the Movement hosted its inaugural Summit in this beautiful city.
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This will an occasion to celebrate the Movement, a unique network of persons from around the world who share a passion for a rights-based approach to mental healthcare, and to catalyze our community to elevate mental health as a global priority.
This 7th Global Summit will be organized in partnership with the Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN), and will reaffirm the foundational principles and values of MGMH, in particular to offer a platform for a diverse group of persons concerned with mental health to come together, including individuals with lived experience, family members, mental health professionals, academics and policymakers.
Our previous Summit in Chennai, India, was held amidst stringent COVID-19 travel and meeting restriction and it is with immense relief and joy that we can finally convene in person once again. I eagerly anticipate being in Cape Town to participate and experience a dynamic Summit program.
Most of all, I look forwards to connecting with many old friends and making even more new ones, In solidarity!
In today's interconnected world, mental health and wellbeing are more crucial than ever for building resilient communities and fostering individual flourishing. Imagine a world where lived experiences shape mental health policies, driving empathetic and effective solutions. This is the vision of the Movement for Global Mental Health, a distinctive alliance dedicated to transforming mental health services worldwide, especially in regions where access is limited. Discover how empowering individuals with firsthand experience is creating a compassionate global mental health landscape. Join us on this journey towards mental health equity and dignity for all.
