【GMHAF 2026】 From Insight to Action: Empowering Youth Voices

We were truly honored to be invited by EMpower to attend the Global Mental Health Advocacy Forum (GMHAF) 2026 in Iloilo City, Philippines. The trip was packed with insights ranging from local practices to global policy discussions. Joining global advocates, we explored how to advance mental health support across diverse communities.

A core takeaway was the necessity of creating Safe Spaces—both physical and digital. True companionship means moving beyond “protection” to “empowerment.” It is about ensuring youth voices are heard and showing young people that we see their potential, not just their problems.

We also addressed a universal hurdle: Funding Challenges. To be ‘fundable and findable,’ we must clearly articulate our unique impact. This insight allows us to refine our strategies, helping us better navigate funding challenges.

Extending the momentum from GMHAF, we participated in the Post-Forum Engagement Day with the AwareNest Community of Practice to translate global insights into concrete actions. This session provided a valuable space for shared learning, allowing us to exchange strategies with fellow changemakers on how to better tackle mental health challenges. Above all, we reflected deeply on a crucial mission: ensuring that youth voices are not just heard, but are the driving force behind our advocacy and future initiatives.

A heartfelt thank you to EMpower for making this transformative journey possible. We are also deeply grateful to our friends at Pamflet and Pantay—your seamless coordination and warm hospitality paved the way for a truly inspiring event.