The Maldives National University (MNU) successfully concluded the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation on 2 November 2026. The two-day conference brought together over 190 participants, including psychiatrists, mental health professionals, researchers and academics from South Asia, reflecting strong regional engagement in advancing mental healthcare, knowledge exchange and professional collaboration.

The conference featured a range of lectures, symposiums, workshops and research presentations addressing emerging developments and challenges in mental healthcare. Key discussions focused on geo-psychiatry and climate change, equitable and human-centred mental healthcare, and the importance of school health and well-being services.

A major highlight of the programme was the symposium titled “Evidence, Empathy and Equity in Mental Health Care in the SAARC Region,” which brought together perspectives from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and the Maldives. The symposium provided opportunities to exchange regional experiences and explore approaches to strengthening accessible, compassionate and evidence-based mental healthcare.

The second day featured discussions on innovative treatment approaches, including precision and personalised healthcare and developments in repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (r-TMS). Other sessions addressed depression among older adults, mental health challenges affecting Generation Z, the impact of social media connectivity, substance use disorders and the use of psychiatric medication during pregnancy.

The conference contributed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly Target 3.4, which promotes mental health and well-being. By addressing mental health challenges across different populations and examining developments in psychiatric treatment, the conference highlighted the importance of strengthening mental healthcare services and promoting evidence-based approaches across South Asia.

The event also supported SDG 4: Quality Education through professional development and the exchange of research and clinical knowledge, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by encouraging collaboration among mental health professionals and academic institutions across the region.

Through hosting this international conference, MNU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing mental health education, research and regional cooperation. More importantly, the conference underscored the need to translate shared knowledge and regional expertise into meaningful action towards building stronger, more inclusive and accessible mental healthcare systems.