Prof. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi & Dr. Amna Asad
LONDON: In an inspiring display of global unity and commitment, the symposium “Bridging the East & West: Prioritizing 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 on 8th October 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 Prioritize 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.
Group photograph of some of the delegates of Symposium at Royal Society of Medicine, UK held on 8th October 2024.
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.
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, emphasized 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
An important 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.
Prof. Rafey Faruqi, Dr Shahid Latif, Prof M Iqbal Afridi, Dr Rais Irfan Ahmad, Dr Yasir Abbasi, Prof Tayyeb Tahir & Dr Saima Niaz Prof Ikram Din Ujjan (Vice Chancellor, LUMHS), Dr Jawed Dars, Sen. Dr Karim Khawaja (Chairman, SMHA), Prof. Rafey Faruqi, Prof. M. Ayub, Dr Yiqun Wang, Dr Rais Irfan, Dr Ali Mufti, Prof. Wajid Akunzada, , Prof Ahmed Ali Khan, Prof. Michael Crawford, Dr Amna Asad, Dr Almas Qazi, Dr Majid Abidi, Prof. Ali Burhan Mustafa, Ms. Kerry Asad, Dr Saima Niaz and Dr Saima Akhtar. Were present on the occasion.
Commitment to Action and Global Impact
The symposium is step towards tangible commitments, including the establishment of new Centers 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 emphasized 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 utilize latest technologies to treat patients. He 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 signaled the beginning of a new era in health, wellbeing, education, and research collaboration. The organizing 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.
Organizers 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 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 organizations 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.
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 prioritizing 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.
