Charting the Future of Global Mental Health Literacy

Shuyan Liu from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is bringing together an international group of leading experts for the Scoping Workshop “Charting the Future of Global Mental Health Literacy”, taking place from 29–31 July 2026 at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover.

The workshop brings together researchers, clinicians, public health experts and representatives of international organizations from across Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and North America. This broad international perspective is central to the workshop: mental health literacy is shaped by cultural, social and economic contexts, and approaches developed in one part of the world cannot simply be transferred to another. Participants will therefore explore how mental health literacy is understood across cultures and across low-, middle- and high-income countries, and how globally relevant guidance can be developed.

Over three days, plenary talks, breakout sessions and World Café discussions will address the definition and measurement of mental health literacy, culturally appropriate interventions, digital and social media, policy development, and the translation of evidence into practice. Speakers and participants include experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), World Psychiatric Association (WPA), universities and mental health institutions around the world, as well as colleagues from the Central Institute of Mental Health and the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG).

The workshop aims to move beyond individual national perspectives and contribute to a shared global understanding of mental health literacy, identifying research and policy priorities and laying the groundwork for future international guidance.

29–31 July 2026 | Herrenhausen Palace, Hannover, Germany

Full workshop programme