Where the world’s health ministers commit to mental health
The Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit is the only meeting of international ministers dedicated solely to mental health. In 2027 it comes to Kigali.
About
A high-level gathering with a practical purpose
The 7th summit brings together ministers, policymakers, researchers, mental health professionals, development partners, civil society organisations and people with lived experience to exchange experience, examine emerging challenges and identify practical strategies for stronger mental health systems.
The series was founded in London in 2018 by the United Kingdom and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, with the support of the World Health Organization. Each host builds on the commitments of the last.
Hosting the summit reflects Rwanda’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of mental health conditions and to the Sustainable Development Goals, including healthy lives and well-being for all at every age.
Objectives
- 1
Strengthen political commitment and accelerate collective action on mental health.
- 2
Share experience on strengthening mental health systems and expanding access to quality, equitable, people-centred services.
- 3
Examine emerging challenges, from crises and climate to the mental health of young people.
- 4
Agree practical strategies, and the accountability to deliver them, ahead of the 2030 targets.
2027 theme
Mental Health for All: Transforming Systems, Expanding Access, Changing Lives
01
Transforming systems
Governance, legislation and sustainable domestic financing that place mental health at the core of national health systems, not at their margins.
02
Expanding access
Bringing quality care closer to people through primary care integration, community health systems, task sharing and peer support.
03
Changing lives
Measuring success in people: dignity, recovery and inclusion, with those who have lived experience shaping policy as equal partners.
Guiding principles
What holds the summit together
Nothing about us without us
People with lived experience take part as equal partners, not as an afterthought.
Mental health is a human right
Anchored in the UN Human Rights Council resolution on mental health and human rights and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Health in all policies
Mental health is shaped by education, work, housing, justice and finance, not by health ministries alone.
From commitment to delivery
Each summit builds on the last, with continuity, follow-up and accountability built in.
Since 2018
From London to Kigali
Each host has advanced the global conversation, from crisis response and human rights to mental health in all policies.
1st summit
2018
London
United Kingdom
“Equality for Mental Health”: the first meeting of international ministers focused solely on mental health.
Declaration2nd summit
2019
Amsterdam
Netherlands
“Mind the Mind Now”: mental health and psychosocial support made integral to every crisis response.
Declaration3rd summit
2021
Paris
France
“Mind Our Rights, Now!”: rights-based, quality care systems in the shadow of the pandemic.
Summit report4th summit
2022
Rome
Italy
“Skills, Rights, Care”: a community-focused approach, building on Italy’s pioneering deinstitutionalisation.
Chair report5th summit
2023
Buenos Aires
Argentina
“Mental Health in All Policies”: the first summit held in Latin America.
News (ES)6th summit
2025
Doha
Qatar
“Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions”: the first summit in the Middle East.
Summit website7th summit
2027
Kigali
Rwanda
“Mental Health for All”: the first summit on the African continent.
Join us in Kigali
Register your interest to attend, partner, host a side event or cover the summit. We will be in touch as places and accreditation open.
30–31 March 2027 · Kigali, Rwanda