보건복지부 영문홈페이지

MOHW and the World Bank Collaborate

to Share Global Efforts in Promoting Mental Health

 

- MOHW and the World Bank Host Global Mental Health Promotion Forum (Dec. 4) -

 

On Wednesday, December 4, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho KyooHong) and the World Bank (President Ajay Banga) co-hosted the Global Mental Health Promotion Forum at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul under the theme "Hidden in Plain Sight: The Global Mental Health Crisis."

 

Following discussions between President Yoon Suk Yeol and World Bank President Ajay Banga at the G20 Summit in September about cooperation on mental health policies, the MOHW and the World Bank have been working closely together. In June, they exchanged insights on various countries’ efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination against mental illnesses and began promoting the joint development of a policy report in the field of mental health.

 

Today’s forum aimed to raise societal awareness of the importance of mental health, share experiences of improving access to mental health services, and explore potential solutions.

 

In the first part of the forum, the MOHW and the World Bank presented a joint policy report titled "Reducing Mental Health-Related Stigma and Discrimination: A Global Overview." During his keynote address, renowned British psychiatrist Sir Graham Thornicroft emphasized that the global economic cost of mental illnesses surpasses that of cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases combined. He also introduced evidence-based mental health promotion guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

Shin Young-chul, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Mental Health Policy Innovation, then introduced the current state of Korea's mental health policies, highlighting efforts to make mental health a national agenda for the first time in the country’s history and to drive innovation in the field, before moderating the panel discussion. The following panel discussion featured participants from Korea, Kenya, and Denmark, who shared personal experience of overcoming mental illness and discussed effective strategies to address the common challenges of mental illness-related stigma and lack of awareness faced by various countries.

 

In the second part of the forum, the former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik delivered a keynote speech, sharing his experience of overcoming depression during his tenure and successfully securing re-election three years later. The subsequent panel discussion focused on specific approaches to improving mental health, including the use of digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance access to mental health services at reduced costs, workplace mental health investment and its impact, and evidence-based psychological services.

 

Chairman Shin Young-chul remarked, "It is truly inspiring to witness individuals sharing their stories and helping others overcome their struggles without fear of stigma or discrimination. The Mental Health Policy Innovation Committee will explore diverse policies to eliminate prejudice, ensuring that no one hesitates to seek treatment or feels isolated due to the mental illness-related prejudice.."

 

Lee Hyoung Hoon, Director General of Mental Health Policy at the MOHW, expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s interest in Korea's mental health efforts, stating, "The MOHW will continue to work closely with the World Bank to advance public mental health."

 

Alberto Rodriguez, Regional Director for Human Development in East Asia and the Pacific Region at the World Bank, noted, "Countries across all income levels—whether low, middle, and high—face significant challenges in addressing mental health needs. The World Bank will collaborate with many nations, including South Korea, to promote mental health with the goal of achieving universal health coverage." ///