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PESHAWAR, Oct 28 (APP):The Department of Social Welfare, Merged Districts, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, and with the support of UNICEF, celebrated World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Together for Mental Health Support, Strength, and Solidarity as Youth, Children, and Adolescents.”
The event emphasized the importance of strengthening mental health support systems for young people, particularly those affected by crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
It brought together students, faculty members, government officials, civil society representatives, and child protection practitioners.
The program began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks from Jehan Bakht, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, who highlighted that mental well-being is an essential part of both education and overall health.
In her address, Sumbal Gillani, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to promoting mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children, adolescents, and youth in humanitarian settings.
She stressed that “child protection and mental health are inseparable” and underscored the importance of building resilient communities through prevention and protection efforts.
Keynote sessions and panel discussions covered topics such as “Promoting Mental Health among Youth and Adolescents” and “The Role of Child Protection in Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Humanitarian Situations.”
Speakers included Sumbal Gillani, UNICEF, Ubaid ur Rahman, Department of Rural Sociology, Bashir Chief Proctor, and Bilal Institute of Peace & Development Studies, University of Peshawar.
They emphasized collaborative approaches to strengthening community-based mental health care and resilience.
A powerful theatre performance by professional artists depicted the emotional impact of mental health challenges during crises, followed by a Youth Sharing Session, “Voices of Resilience,” where young participants shared personal stories of hope and recovery.
In his closing remarks, Sohail Ahmad, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, called for inclusive and accessible mental health services for all, especially for children and adolescents affected by emergencies.
He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between government departments, academia, and development partners to strengthen mental health and child protection systems.
He also announced the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between UNICEF and the University of Peshawar to implement joint initiatives promoting child protection, welfare, and psychosocial well-being.
The event concluded with a collective pledge for mental health awareness.