Visser ’t Hooft Hall, Geneva, Switzerland – 17 November 2023 

On 17th November 2023 the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) will be holding a special event in Geneva to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its foundation in 1948 entitled ’75 years of mental health advocacy: achievements, challenges and the future.’  

Over the last 75 years WFMH has been active in the field of mental health advocacy, driven by the principles of world citizenship, fairness, and education of professionals and the general public. 

At its foundation in 1948, WFMH emphasized the need for multidisciplinary working.  There was also an emphasis on the training of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and others so their skills could be devoted to finding solutions for human problems and for the application of clinical findings to broader social issues. 

National mental health associations and institutions including professional bodies were urged to co-operate with their governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) so that mental health and wellbeing can be a priority for all of us. It was also noted that in addition to the WHO there was a need to work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other United Nations bodies to promote all aspects of mental health. 

WFMH is the oldest mental health advocacy organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations since 1963 and remains in Official Relations with the World Health Organization. 

I am very pleased that WFMH has remained true to its founding principles over the last 75 years and it is time for further reflection, review and renewal. In order to achieve this, every voice matters and it is important that we hear from each and every one of you. 

WFMH needs to know your thoughts and comments on the following:  

• The things that we have done well so far
• The things that we have achieved through mental health advocacy work
• The challenges we currently face
• Your ideas on how those challenges could be addressed

This information will help WFMH develop a road map for the next 75 years and we will be holding a special event in Visser ’t Hooft Hall, Geneva, Switzerland on 17 November 2023 and you can participate in person or online. You may also be in a position to contribute a discussion paper to help us develop the roadmap for the next 75 years. 

Please sign-up below to complete a pre-registration form for this event so that we can involve you.