As we move into the middle of the year, I am delighted to share another update with you on what has been a particularly busy and truly energising period for IASP. There is much to reflect on from recent weeks, and much to look forward to in the months ahead.
In May, IASP was once again proud to take part in the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva. The Assembly remains one of the most important moments in the global health calendar, and our presence there allowed us to advocate at the highest levels for sustained, evidence-based investment in suicide prevention. We delivered statements on key agenda items and contributed, alongside health ministers from around the world, to side events on issues of growing relevance to our community, including the role of artificial intelligence in suicide prevention, restricting access to hazardous pesticides, and the importance of robust mental health policy and legislation. My thanks to everyone within IASP who supported this work – it was a huge team effort, and to our partners who continue to ensure that suicide prevention has a strong voice in global health discussions. Please read more about this policy work here.
I am also pleased to share that our ‘AI Use in Helpline Settings’ webinar was a big success. The session brought together leading voices from across the helplines community to discuss the evolving landscape of crisis support, including the integration of digital tools, workforce wellbeing, and the central role helplines play in any comprehensive suicide prevention strategy. The quality of the discussion and the engagement from participants around the world was a powerful reminder of just how much can be achieved when we come together to share knowledge and learn from one another. If you missed the live event, I warmly encourage you to catch up via the IASP webinars page.
Earlier this month we were also delighted to host our Online Summit in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the University of Toronto. This summit reflects the strength of regional partnerships and our shared commitment to advancing suicide prevention across the Americas. Bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and people with lived experience, the programme has been designed to spotlight regional priorities while connecting them to global evidence and practice. I would like to thank our colleagues at PAHO for their partnership.
Looking ahead to the second half of the year, our new regional forums are now firmly on the horizon. The Asia Pacific Regional Forum in Fiji and the Pan-America Regional Forum in Costa Rica represent a more collaborative, accessible and inclusive approach to regional engagement. They are designed to bring the suicide prevention community closer to home, creating space for locally grounded dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration while remaining firmly connected to IASP’s global mission. Registrations and abstract submissions are open, and I encourage members in both regions, and beyond, to take part. These forums are very much shaping up to be milestone events for our community.
I am also delighted to highlight the 21st European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB), taking place later this year. ESSSB is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the European research community, and continues a strong tradition of scientific exchange, collaboration and innovation across the region. For many in our field, ESSSB is a long-anticipated highlight of the calendar, and I have no doubt that this year’s programme will once again offer rich opportunities for learning, connection, and the strengthening of cross-border research partnerships. IASP will be hosting a booth as well as a symposium by the IASP Women and Girls Taskforce. The Partnerships for Life team in Europe will also be holding a Pre-Conference Workshop with a focus on strategy and postvention, and meetings are taking place for a number of Special Interest Groups and Early Career Group members.
Alongside these convening activities, work continues across all areas of IASP – through our Special Interest Groups, Partnerships for Life, our taskforces, and our broader campaigns. Preparations for World Suicide Prevention Day in September are also well underway. I look forward to sharing more on this in my next message, but please reach out if you need any support from us as you start to plan your own local events.
As ever, I want to thank each of you for the part you play in this work. Suicide prevention is a collective endeavour, and the strength, diversity and compassion of the IASP community is what allows us to drive change at every level. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our forthcoming events.
