On April 16th, 2026, in New York City some of the most dedicated minds in mental health and humanitarian work gathered for "Transforming Mental Healthcare with Technology"-an event that marked the formal launch of two major initiatives by the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC). The first, a specialized webinar series designed to support mental health first responders and professionals trained in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)-the frontline individuals who deliver immediate psychological care and practical support to those affected by emergencies, disasters, conflict, and humanitarian crises, working to reduce distress, promote safety, identify urgent needs, and connect people to ongoing care.
The second, eMHIC's Collaborative Learning Hub, a platform built to advance knowledge-sharing across the global mental health community.
The room reflected the gravity and urgency of the mission-united by a single purpose: to create a lasting impact on mental health in humanitarian settings.
In attendance were representatives from the United Nations, financial institutions, philanthropists, academics, clinicians, NGOs, leading scientists, diplomatic missions, lived experience leaders, and celebrated Broadway artists.
This remarkable evening was made possible through the generous support of Dr. Judy Kuriansky, the International Association of Applied Psychology (IAAP), Zeever Baqar, and The Baqar Foundation.
The evening featured a powerful humanitarian address from Charles Curie, former Administrator of SAMHSA, stirring performances by Princess Lockeroo and Russell Daisey, and a deeply moving lived-experience address from Nick Yarris, author of “The Fear of 13,” whose stage adaptation opened on Broadway just last week.
The Baqar Foundation remains deeply committed to advancing mental health on the global stage, and evenings like this remind us why this work matters and why it must continue.
Welcoming Gold Sponsor, Togetherall (@togetherall) to #eMHIC24! Togetherall is a trusted online peer community, helping individuals manage their mental health. With just one week to go, register your in-person or online attendance now: https://t.co/iTGHldLOJx
@sogalo thanks for this very sad news. My heart aches beyond any words can explain. He was an exemplary leader whose presence on @eMHIC_Global board will be missed immensely as he was a consummate professional in digital mental health globally. A sad loss indeed for this world.
Hello this is Nigel @sogalo , Gregor’s brother. It is with great sadness that I am sharing that Gregor died peacefully on Frida. He was an inspirational leader and champion for mental health. Much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother. Our hearts are💔
A sad truth: only a small fraction of the world’s population in need of crisis support has access to effective, affordable, mental health care. Find out how crisis textlines are helping at #Congress24. Secure your Earlybird ticket before August 18: https://t.co/uWEgheFNby
Buckle up for a high-tech adventure! Our experts will explore how virtual reality and artificial intelligence are transforming mental healthcare and boosting workforce capacity. You won’t want to miss this! Register here: https://t.co/uWEgheGl16
Good on ya! Australia is the global leader in the development & implementation of Digital mental health standards. Exceptional meeting w/UN Ambassador Larsen of Australia @AustraliaUN to take the new UN Global Digital Compact forward w/my good friend founder @eMHIC_Global@anilt6
This is very helpful from @MindCharity The Mind App Library. Curated with @OrchaHealth a selection of approved mental health digital resources. https://t.co/HQXM8kHHTz
Great pleasure to participate in this international forum (in Sydney) on the future of digital mental health & AI; will digital remain a bit player or disrupt the mainstream? experiences from Canada, NZ, USA @UNICEF @Mark_Butler_MP @eMHIC_Global
I support the principle, but it’s a complex ethical arena. Informed public debate vital. And…. “we need politicians willing to acknowledge that assisted dying is one of the most complex and fraught ethical questions they will ever be asked to confront.” https://t.co/ywUzKOdTYR
📍We're thrilled to announce that the 2024 Digital Mental Health International Congress will be held at the prestigious Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Canada. Register now for in-person or virtual attendance! https://t.co/Fa0jdv6l5T
Congrats to Greg Rhee and the entire team on this recent update on cognition and major depressive disorder, a core dimension of this common disorder
https://t.co/5aa4yWGkHi
Thrilled to announce our joint Society of Digital Psychiatry and @jmirpub webinar series is starting up: Catch the first (and free!) one on "Responsible Design, Integration, and Use of Generative AI in Mental Health" on Nov 7th: https://t.co/ftnLJLTZia
It was an honour today to address the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors at their Annual meeting in Washington DC to speak on the role of digital technologies at systems level to improve access to care, support and treatment.
@SJAppletonCEO Shifting MH treatments online while may seem logical in a resource constrained environment but is irresponsible without any digital MH policy and roadmap. MH challenges don’t happen during working hours only. Much to learn from the countries that have got it right is by design.
Recently, eMHIC Executive Director Anil Thapliyal had a truly insightful meeting with Canadian Senator @StanKutcher about the crucial role of Mental Health Literacy in Canada's national mental health strategy. 🇨🇦https://t.co/djTR9gfR9Y