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I am delighted to share some of the top highlights and initiatives that have defined our journey at the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) over the past three months. There have been several milestones that demonstrate the remarkable strides we are making towards our shared mission of suicide prevention across the globe.
Our 32nd World Congress was an incredible success, with over 780 participants from more than 80 countries coming together, both physically and virtually. This was a huge team effort but particular thanks to the Congress co-chairs Vita Postuvan and Diego De Leo and to our CAO team who were brilliant. The beautiful setting of Piran provided a picturesque backdrop for this momentous event, where we were able to gather together and connect with one another.
Indeed, the sense of unity and camaraderie we experienced during the Closing Ceremony when we held up our lights whilst listening to a moving poem about the stars by Slovenian poet Tone Pavcek, highlighted the power of connectivity within our community. The Pecha Kucha and Early Career workshop sessions added depth to our congress, fostering learning and collaboration, especially among our early career members. Additionally, our congress showcased the strength of our Partnerships for Life Programme. We are excited about the connections the programme is making in countries that may have been less visible in our programme in the past, reinforcing our commitment to a global approach to suicide prevention.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) has once again demonstrated the immense reach and power of our efforts to create hope through action by disseminating our message all over the world. The translations of our film have been instrumental to our global reach and accessibility. As we look ahead, we anticipate celebrating the 20th anniversary of WSPD with the launch of the WSPD impact report in November. This milestone will mark two decades of progress and renewed commitment to our cause.
World Mental Health Day, on the 10th October, reminded us that mental health is a universal human right. The day provided a platform for us to call, once again, for action, to ensure that the rights of everyone to receive the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health are honoured. This message was reflected in the launch of the World Health Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ new guidance to improve laws addressing human rights abuses in mental health care. This guidance is an invaluable tool for countries who are embarking on mental health law reform. Key recommendations related to suicide prevention include a focus on the decriminalisation of suicide, better data collection to inform and drive policies and interventions among others; these are also key components within the development of national suicide prevention strategies, which are central to the work of IASP and were included within our own World Mental Health Day activities.
In September, we worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the development of two key policy briefs. To this end, we celebrated the launch of the WHO decriminalisation policy on the health implications of decriminalising suicide. This is a crucial tool in our advocacy efforts. At IASP we have also welcomed the decriminalisation of suicide in several countries, including Malaysia, Pakistan, Ghana, and Guyana. Personally, I have had the privilege of speaking with numerous advocates who are passionate about this cause, and their dedication inspires us. Indeed, check out our recent Reach In Reach Out podcast series on decriminalisation. We continue to work closely with the WHO and our partners working on suicide decriminalisation to ensure that even more change happens. The WHO also officially launched the third edition of the suicide media guidelines at the IASP congress in Piran. These guidelines drafted collaboratively with IASP’s Suicide and the Media Special Interest Group, play a vital role in our suicide prevention efforts. Indeed, we are committed to ensuring that these guidelines are widely utilised to enhance our efforts in the promotion of responsible reporting on this sensitive topic.
In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering dedication and passion for suicide prevention. Together, we are making a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals around the world who are affected by suicide. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for change, knowing that our collective efforts are saving lives.
Wishing you all a successful and productive quarter ahead.
