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Registration for the 4th Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum is closing soon!

The Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum 2026 is the fourth annual event organised by the Global Mental Health Action Network (the Action Network). It is the largest and most inclusive convening of advocates and civil society stakeholders focused on mental health policy. Over three days, we will be learning about the incredible work taking place within local communities, at a national level, regionally and globally to enhance our joint advocacy and influencing efforts towards better mental health for all.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from peers, exchange expertise, and share the best practices for impactful advocacy! Our special Forum is not a traditional conference; it’s a community of changemakers coming together from 170 countries around the world.  

 Virtual Attendee  ✦  Self-Funded Attendee  ✦  Sponsored Attendee 

Registration is completely free for all members. At the Action Network, we are committed to reimagining the global mental health landscape and ensuring no voice is left behind. We are delighted to share that over 1,600 global advocates, leaders and changemakers have registered for this special event.

Travel grant applications are closed, and all applicants have been notified. All remaining self-funded spaces have also now been filled for our gathering in Iloilo City, where we will be joined by over 400 advocates representing more than 70 countries.

Virtual registration will remain open until the end of January. We look forward to welcoming our global community - both in person and online - for an inspiring and impactful event!

Register

Advocacy forum agenda

Day 0 - 2nd February 2026

Site visits across Iloilo City
Workshops at Iloilo City Convention Centre, in-person attendees can choose from:
  • Deinstitutionalisation Action Group strategic discussion
  • Mental health innovation
  • Task sharing and community services
  • Environment, climate change and mental health
  • High-impact ecosystems & sustainable financing
  • Youth mental health & prevention
  • Bringing mental health into UHC
  • Experiencing life in a criminalised world: Suicide prevention
Welcome reception

Day 1 - 3rd February 2026

Welcome
"My life in advocacy" - Inspiration session with global health leader
Speed-networking
Learnings from mental health work in the Philippines
Lunch & energiser
Looking back and looking forward at the UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health
Mapping the Geography of Stigma
Networking

Day 2 - 4th February 2026

Fireside chat with a global health leader
Influencing & being influenced - strategies for policy change
Speed-networking
Rebuilding mental health funding & power around people
Lunch & energiser
Reimagining global mental health through LGBTQI+ lenses
Youth leadership: barriers & opportunities for advocacy
Closing, evaluation & networking

Download the full agenda

Sponsor
Speaker
No speaker available

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Why Iloilo City?

The Philippines has made incredible progress in mental health, from upgraded legislation, to leading digital innovations and significant government funding commitments. There’s so much we can learn from these achievements, as well as the country’s traditional and local approaches to power sharing, healing and community development. Iloilo City is the perfect place to showcase them.

Iloilo is a bold and meaningful choice. The city is known for its progressive approach to sustainability, climate action, and mental health education in schools. It is deeply rooted in history, with preserved heritage sites, and an exciting food scene that landed it the prestigious title of 'UNESCO City of Gastronomy' in 2023. We look forward to welcoming you to the Philippines' 'City of Love' next year! 

Why Iloilo City?

The Philippines has made incredible progress in mental health, from upgraded legislation, to leading digital innovations and significant government funding commitments. There’s so much we can learn from these achievements, as well as the country’s traditional and local approaches to power sharing, healing and community development. Iloilo City is the perfect place to showcase them.

Iloilo is a bold and meaningful choice. The city is known for its progressive approach to sustainability, climate action, and mental health education in schools. It is deeply rooted in history, with preserved heritage sites, and an exciting food scene that landed it the prestigious title of 'UNESCO City of Gastronomy' in 2023. We look forward to welcoming you to the Philippines' 'City of Love' next year! 

What is the Action Network?

The Action Network is a community of advocates that make change happen. With over 8,000 members from 170+ countries, we bring together expertise and knowledge from all corners of the world. Our members work across various intersections of mental health and have access to a wide range of resources and diverse perspectives. Network membership gives you the chance to collaborate with peers on campaigns and initiatives to further our collective goal of improving mental health for all. Membership is free and open to everyone!

Agenda
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