Doha, 30 Sept. 2025

HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Minister of Public Health for the State of Qatar, officially inaugurated two-day Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit today,  brings together a global audience dedicated to advancing mental wellness.

The opening ceremony was attended by the ministers and delegates from various countries, including from international and regional organizations, experts, and specialists from across the globe. The Summit is convened under the powerful theme, “Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions,” setting the stage for focused and actionable dialogue.

In his key-note speech, HE Minister Al Mahmoud underscored the critical importance of the Summit as a collective opportunity to advance mental health globally. He articulated a shared vision for a healthier and more inclusive future for all regions.

He detailed Qatar’s steadfast commitment, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of State of Qatar, to public health as a cornerstone of its national development. Through Qatar National Vision 2030, the country is intensifying efforts to safeguard both physical and mental wellbeing. This includes launching dedicated national strategies and frameworks designed to promote positive mental health and establish an integrated care system that ensures access to the right care at the right time and place.

The Health Minister further explained that, adopting a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, Qatar has worked to embed mental health considerations across all sectors of society. These national efforts are strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

On the international front, he highlighted Qatar’s active role in promoting global stability and its commitment to working with partners to prevent and address international crises, which profoundly impact mental health.

He stressed the urgent need for greater international attention to this issue, particularly given the rising estimates of mental disorders driven by a complex interplay of factors including economic hardship, humanitarian emergencies, and protracted conflicts. He firmly stated that mental health is a fundamental human right and must remain at the heart of public policy and collective action.

The Minister outlined the Summit’s goal of translating commitments into tangible actions, referencing the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 as a vital global framework.

Key topics under discussion include investment in services, innovation and digital solutions, equity and inclusivity, and enhanced international cooperation.

He expressed strong confidence that this first Summit held in the Middle East would mark a significant step forward, building on the legacy of its predecessors to strengthen partnerships and increase investment in mental health as a foundation for public health, social justice, and sustainable development.

He concluded with a powerful call to action, urging participants to seize this moment to reaffirm their commitment to investment, innovation, and equity for the sake of current and future generations.