Global Mental Health :’Collective Pathways For Policy ,Practice & Community Impact ‘ On Line session conducted by PILL.
The Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), organized a collaborative Conference Scientific Session titled “Global Mental Health: Collective Pathways for Policy, Practice, and Community Impact” as part of the 16th International Conference of the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA). The session reflected PILL’s continued commitment to advancing mental health research, capacity building, and evidence-based practices through academic, professional, and community partnerships.
The conference session was convened by Dr. Aneela Maqsood, Department of Behavioral Sciences, FJWU, and Incharge of the PPA Rawalpindi and Peshawar Chapters, bringing together FJWU, PILL, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and PPA Chapters on a collaborative platform advancing mental health research, practice, and policy impact. The session highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing contemporary mental health challenges by connecting research evidence with policy development, professional practice, and community-based interventions. The partnership between academic institutions and professional organizations demonstrated the value of collective efforts in advancing psychological wellbeing and improving mental health outcomes.
The conference session was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Sarwat Rasool, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences FJWU, with special acknowledgment of the contributions of Prof. Dr. Rafia Rafique, President of the Pakistan Psychological Association, in promoting psychological research and professional collaboration. The inaugural remarks emphasized the role of universities in advancing interdisciplinary research, innovation, and socially responsive mental health practices. The session was moderated by Dr. Amna Noureen, Global Lead for Teaching, Training and Development at PILL.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim, Professor of Psychology at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and Director of KANITA, who emphasized women’s empowerment, social connectedness, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement as essential dimensions of mental health promotion.
Distinguished speaker- Prof. Dr. Azam Tahir, Chief Operating Officer of PILL, highlighted the need for integrating mental health into policy frameworks through strengthening mental health services through research-informed practices.
The session concluded with paper presentations and a policy-oriented framework presented by Dr. Aneela Maqsood, focusing on integrating mental health initiatives within educational and community settings. Her framework emphasized preventive strategies, institutional responsibility, and collaborative mechanisms to enhance psychological wellbeing. The conference reflected the shared commitment toward strengthening mental health research, capacity development, and policy-oriented practices that contribute to meaningful social change.
