I’m delighted to share with you some personal highlights and reflections from the first three days of the 33rd IASP World Congress. Over these days, I’ve had the chance to connect with colleagues from all over the world who, like me, are deeply dedicated to suicide prevention from their own territories, disciplines, and realities.
Participating in this congress has been a deeply moving experience, professionally and personally. And of course, being welcomed by the beautiful Vienna, with its music, history, and the Danube, made it even more special.
We kicked off on Tuesday with a rich morning of pre-congress workshops, covering topics from youth and older adults to lived experience and mental health first aid. I had the honor of co-leading the workshop for early career researchers, together with Jo Robinson, Olivia Kirtley, and Nikolaj Hoier. We explored the value of open science, listened to the inspiring journeys from senior colleagues, and received amazing ideas to develop our mentoring program, something we look forward to sharing with you soon!
In the afternoon, we officially opened the congress with a beautiful ceremony and two powerful keynotes. Mark Goldblatt invited us to reflect on 115 years of suicide prevention, and Thomas Niederkrotenthaler and Golli Marboe reminded us of what can happen when knowledge and lived experience come together. And, of course, of the power of hope. We ended the opening day by celebrating the IASP Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions of brilliant colleagues, truly inspiring people.
Written by
Belén Vargas Gallegos
Co-chair IASP ECG.
National Suicide Prevention Strategy Leader, Ministry of Health, Chile.
PhD candidate Universidad de Chile.
Researcher of Nucleus to Improve the Mental Health of Adolescents and Young People-Imhay, Chile.
There’s also been time to laugh, reconnect, and build networks, from the warm welcome reception full of conversations and new energy, to SIG meetings, shared lunches, and the lively Pecha Kucha night!
Throughout these days, I’ve been reminded that suicide prevention is not only a technical challenge, but also, above all, a collective act of care. Every corner of the congress, from plenary sessions to casual conversations over coffee, was filled with an inspiring mix of knowledge, commitment, and humanity.
As a researcher and policy maker from Chile, this conference allowed me not only to share what we’re doing at home, but also to see how many of the challenges we face in Latin America echoed in conversations across sessions: the need for culturally sensitive approaches, sustainable strategies in low-resource settings, and greater inclusion of communities and people with lived experience.
It was especially powerful to hear voices from the Global South and learn from communities that, despite limited resources, show immense creativity and strength. Suicide prevention is built in context — and through collaboration.
The diversity of perspectives we heard in Vienna confirms that there is no single way to prevent suicide, but there is a shared commitment to finding pathways that work in real and complex settings.
Finally, as co-chair of the IASP Early Career Group, I felt throughout the congress how IASP truly offers a powerful platform for those who are just starting their journey in the field. Supporting early career colleagues, creating spaces for them to share ideas, and helping them connect with others who also want to make a difference, has been one of the most meaningful aspects of this experience.
I feel truly grateful and inspired to be part of this story, and to share this moment with a global community working with heart, courage, and hope.
I will return to Chile with new ideas, open questions, and a strong desire to keep weaving connections that will help us move forward, with science and with heart, toward more effective, fair, and human suicide prevention strategies. Because if this congress confirmed anything for me, it’s that we are not alone in this work: we are a committed global community, and that is deeply hopeful.
