In an inspiring display of global unity and commitment, the symposium “Bridging the East & West: Prioritising Global Health, Wellbeing, Education, and Research” was successfully held at the prestigious Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) in London, in commemoration of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2024. The event brought together leading experts from different parts of Pakistan and the UK, to promote collaborative efforts in addressing global health challenges, while embracing the crucial theme of World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2024: “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” This theme guided discussions and highlighted the essential need for integrating mental health care into workplace policies worldwide, a critical component for fostering overall health and wellbeing.
A Convergence of Visionaries
The symposium brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers from across the globe, fostering dynamic dialogues on how collaborative efforts can address pressing health challenges. Delegates from Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, engaged in fruitful discussions about mental health, educational equity, and wellness strategies, laying the groundwork for transformative initiatives that resonate far beyond this event.
Participants explored a comprehensive range of topics, from innovative mental health strategies to cutting-edge research in brain health, focusing on building synergistic partnerships between East and West. Sessions like “Fostering Collaboration Between East & West” and “Leadership and Innovation in Global Health” provided invaluable platforms for attendees to brainstorm solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by diverse regions.
Illuminating Keynote Presentations
- Prof. Raymond Keene OBE, the Chancellor of Tony Buzan Academy and Chairman of the Brain Trust Charity, captivated audiences with his insightful presentation, “The Mental Genius of Islam refracted through the medium of Mind Sports,” illustrating how the rich intellectual traditions of the East can inform modern mental health practices and promote cognitive resilience.
- HSH Prof. Marek Kasperski, the Vice President of Tony Buzan Limited and a Faculty member of Tony Buzan Academy, emphasised the critical role of mental health literacy in his talk on “The Power of Mental Literacy in Enhancing Mental Health,” advocating for the integration of mental health education into global curricula to empower future generations.
- Prof. Michael A. Crawford, from Imperial College London, delivered a compelling analysis in “The Shrinking Brain and the Global Crisis in Brain Health,” urging immediate international collaboration to confront the alarming rise of brain health disorders, particularly in vulnerable populations.
A Moment of Recognition
A highlight of the symposium was the recognition of the British-Pakistani Psychiatrist Meritorious Emeritus and Vice Chancellor of Tony Buzan Academy, Prof. Dr Ahmed Ali Khan, who was honoured with the prestigious Brain of the Year Award, the night earlier at a dinner in the House of Lords. This accolade reflects his exceptional contributions to mental health and his unwavering commitment to advancing the field. Prof. Khan’s leadership and visionary approach have been instrumental in bridging gaps in mental health care and research, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
Commitment to Action and Global Impact
The symposium is step towards tangible commitments, including the establishment of new Centres of Excellence in Pakistan focusing on critical subspecialties such as Nutritional Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. These initiatives will serve as vital hubs for research collaboration and educational exchange, enhancing the quality of mental health care and research capabilities on a global scale.
The presence of H.E. Dr. Muhammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, lent significant weight to the proceedings. In his address, Dr. Faisal stated, “Pakistan is adversely affected by influx of refugees that has also impacted the society. Issues including addiction have given rise to psychological problems that graduate into social problems, requiring urgent attention.” The High Commissioner also emphasised adopting methods of preventive care to reduce costs incurred on treatments for a developing country like Pakistan. He made a commitment that Pakistan High Commission UK will facilitate joint collaboration between British, Pakistani and other doctors to utilise latest technologies to treat patients. His Excellency also invited a delegation from the Royal Society of Medicine to visit Pakistan and explore joint ventures.
A Call for Global Health Leadership
The event culminated in an impassioned call to action from Prof. M. Iqbal Afridi, and Prof. Wajid Akunzada, Dr Shahid Latif, Dr Rais Irfan Ahmad, Mr Umer Afridi and others who urged all attendees to champion the cause of mental health in workplaces and beyond. Prof. Afridi’s resounding message: global health challenges require collective solutions. By fostering enduring connections between countries and communities, the symposium reinforced the idea that mental health is not just a personal issue but a global priority.
An Invitation for Future Collaborations
As the symposium laid the groundwork for future partnerships, it signalled the beginning of a new era in health, wellbeing, education, and research collaboration. The organising committee invites all participants and stakeholders to join forces in the ongoing mission to enhance global mental health care. By collaborating across borders, we can leverage diverse expertise and perspectives, ensuring mental health remains at the forefront of global health agendas and educational initiatives.
Organisers and Global Patrons
Co-organized by The Brain Trust UK, Tony Buzan Academy, and the Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, the symposium was held under the distinguished patronage of Prof. Raymond Keene OBE, Prof. Ahmed Ali Khan, and Prof. Michael Crawford, and spearheaded by Distinguished National Professor (HEC-Pakistan) and Dean of Tony Buzan Academy, Prof Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi, and his team comprising of Dr Almasuddin Qazi, Dr Amna Asad, Dr Jawed Akbar Dars, Dr Saima Niaz, Dr Saima Akhtar, Akhtar and Mustafa Asad. Together, with these organisations along with the other collaborating entities and institutions which include the Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS), British Pakistani Psychiatrists Association (BPPA), College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA), Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), and Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRAB) committed to creating a more equitable and effective global healthcare landscape.
Delegates/Participants:
| Pakistan: | |
| Meritorious Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Afridi (Dean, Tony Buzan Academy, London, DNP, JSMU) | driqbalafridi@yahoo.com |
| Prof Ghulam Rasool (President, PPS) | grasooldr@yahoo.com |
| Prof. Wajid Akhundzada (President-Elect, PPS) | wajidpsy@hotmail.com |
| Dr. Majid Abidi (Vice President, PPS) | majidabidi@yahoo.com |
| Dr Jawed Dars (Sindh Chapter Chief, PPS) | drjaweddars@yahoo.com |
| Prof. Ali Burhan Mustafa (Punjab, Chapter Chief, PPS) | aliburhanmustafa@gmail.com |
| Dr Ali Ahsan Mufti (Information Secretary, PPS) | aliahsanmufti@gmail.com |
| Prof. Dr. Ikram Din Ujjan, Vice Chancellor, LUHMS, Jamshoro, Sindh. | vc@lumhs.edu.pk |
| Prof. Zakiuddin Ahmed (General Secretary, HealthRAB) | zakiuddinahmed@gmail.com |
| Dr Amna Asad (Spl Assistant to Vice Chancellor Tony Buzan Academy & A Editor, JPPS) | amnaasad@hotmail.com |
| Dr Saima Akhtar (Publishing Coordinator, JPPS) | drsaima904@gmail.com |
| Senator Dr. Karim Khwaja (Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority) | drkkhuwaja@hotmail.com |
| Prof. Abdul Basit (Vice Chairman, HealthRab) | abdulbasit@bide.edu.pk |
| United Kingdom | |
| Prof. Raymond Keene OBE (Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy, London) | raymond@tonybuzan.com; |
| Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali Khan (Vice Chancellor, Tony Buzan Academy and Meritorious Psychiatrist, NHS UK) | drali4717@gmail.com |
| Prof. Michael Crawford (Faculty of Medicine, Dept of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College, London) | michael.crawford@imperial.ac.uk |
| Dr Yiqun Wang (Senior Researcher, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London) | yiqun.wang@imperial.ac.uk |
| Dr Almasuddin Qazi (Consultant Surgeon & Former Dean, Tony Buzan Academy) | dralmasqazi@gmail.com |
| Dr Shahid Latif (President, British Pakistani Psychiatric Association, UK) | shahidlatif134@gmail.com |
| Prof. Rafey Faruqui (Chair, South Eastern Division and Trustee, Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK) | |
| Prof. Muhammad Ayub (Professorial Research Fellow, Division of Psychiatry, University College London) | m.ayub@ucl.ac.uk |
| Dr Asad Raheem (Regional Director, CPSP/Endocrinologist, University Hospitals Birmingham) | asad.rahim@cpsp.edu.pk |
| Dr Mhairi Rahim (Consultant Psychiatrist, MTI Scheme, Birmingham) | asad.rahim@cpsp.edu.pk |
| Dr. Yasir Abbasi (Executive Medical Director & Addiction Psychiatrist, WDP, London) | yasir.abbasi@wdp.org.uk |
| Dr. Rais Irfan Ahmed (RCPsych Associate Registrar for Leadership & Management) | Rais.Ahmed@nhs.net |
| Sr. Saima Niaz (Workforce Lead for the London Division, Royal College of Psychiatrists) | niazpsych@yahoo.com |
| Prof Tayyeb Tahir (Liaison Psychiatry, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff) | tayyeb.tahir@wales.nhs.uk |
| Mr. Umer Afridi (BBC London) | umerafridi@hotmail.com |
| Ms. Kerry Asad (NHS Warrington) | |
| H.E. Dr. Mohammad Faisal (High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) | hc@phclondon.org |
| H.E. Mr. Haseeb bin Aziz (Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) |
Conclusion
This symposium stands as a monumental step forward in the collective journey toward improved global health, wellbeing, education, and research collaboration. By aligning with the WMHD 2024 theme of prioritising mental health in the workplace, this event has set a powerful precedent for future initiatives. The collaborative spirit fostered here highlights the necessity of making mental health care a universal priority and a central tenet of educational frameworks worldwide. Together, we can pave the way for transformative global partnerships that not only enhance mental health services but also build a healthier, more resilient, knowledgeable and innovative world for future generations.