WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of France are convening a high-level conference in Paris to catalyse cross-sectoral action on mental health. The 2-day event will bring together policy-makers, professionals and people with lived experience from 34 countries to explore how all sectors – education, employment, justice, housing and beyond – can play a role in protecting mental health and well-being.

Poor mental health presents a considerable burden, both to individuals and society. However, countries continue to struggle to build the infrastructure and capacity necessary for widespread access to mental health services and supports. 

The health sector alone cannot shoulder this burden. Efforts must be made to prevent worsening mental health and ensure that those who enter the health system for treatment can emerge into a society that continues to support their recovery and well-being. This requires the support of all areas of government – education, housing, culture and arts, sports, agriculture, and more.  

Mental health in all policies

The overarching theme of the event will be how countries can build the connections required to ensure that all policies are developed with mental health in mind – from policies on the planning of urban spaces to the supports available to military personnel and police.

This mental-health-in-all-policies approach emerged as a clear theme in policy dialogues with countries held under WHO/Europe’s European Union-funded initiative “Addressing mental health challenges in the European Union countries, Iceland and Norway”, which aims to strengthen mental health systems and build capacity for sustainable change.

France, which is co-hosting the event, has shown longstanding leadership in mental health policy and innovation, including through the WHO Collaborating Centre in Lille. France has made mental health the “Grande cause nationale” for 2025 and one of its top 5 national priorities, with calls from senior political leaders to treat mental well-being as a shared responsibility across the state, local authorities, businesses and civil society.

This gathering in Paris will:

  • bring together decision-makers from across ministries – health, education, welfare, finance, agriculture and more – to learn from one another;
  • elevate the voices of those with lived experience to ensure policies reflect real-world needs;
  • showcase practical examples of intersectoral collaboration on mental health, such as in protecting the mental health of young people, preventing suicide and protecting mental health in the workplace; and
  • launch a call to action to embed mental health in all policies at every level of governance – the Paris Declaration on Mental Health in All Policies.