Message from the Executive President of the World Development Association to mark World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day — 10 October 2026
Mental health now plays an increasingly important role in health policies and in the recognition of well-being as an essential dimension of human development. Progress made in raising awareness, reducing stigma and addressing mental health conditions has led to greater recognition of a reality that has long been sidelined: health cannot be fully protected without also taking mental health into account. This development must now take a further step by recognising the experiences of those affected as essential knowledge for improving policies and services.
Yet many people continue to face difficulties in accessing appropriate care, to suffer from stigma, or to remain insufficiently involved in decisions that directly affect their care. Being listened to is not enough when their voices have no influence on either the design of services or institutional decisions. These shortcomings have consequences that extend beyond the health sector: they can affect education, employment, family relationships, economic independence, social participation and, more broadly, people’s ability to play a full part in the development of their community.
To mark this World Mental Health Day, the World Association for Development calls for the strengthening of mental health systems that are accessible, respectful of rights and developed with the effective participation of people with lived experience. This approach must be accompanied by community-based services, prevention initiatives, efforts to combat stigma and better coordination with education, employment and social protection. For the WDA, recognising the voices and expertise of those affected is not merely a matter of better health policy: it is about strengthening their dignity, their autonomy and their ability to contribute fully to sustainable and inclusive development.
10 October 2026
Executive President
Hugues B. GNIMADI
World Association for Development — AMD
Let us work towards the sustainable development of peoples and communities