Image Last month, I stood in St. Peter's Square, watching white smoke rise over the Vatican. A new pope had just been chosen. But I was there for another reason; to attend The Memory: A Symposium Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of an Aging Global Population, the first of its kind hosted by the Vatican in collaboration with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). It was an extraordinary gathering that brought together scientists, policymakers and faith leaders to reimagine aging. I had the honour of speaking about brain health across the life course and the need for culturally grounded strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries where aging is accelerating fastest and systems remain underprepared.
That global urgency is mirrored in our work here at the Brain and Mind Institute. This November, we will host our second International Conference, this time in Karachi, Pakistan, from November 3–5. With the theme Building Thriving Communities: Promoting Brain and Mental Health in the Global South, this convening will bring together researchers, practitioners and community leaders from across the world to explore how brain and mental health can become the foundation for more resilient, equitable societies.
In research, our teams continue to lead. Our recent publication in ScienceDirect explores how climate shocks are affecting women's mental health in rural Kilifi, Kenya, linking environmental instability to depression and suicidal ideation. And in Nature Medicine, our researchers have put forward a bold global policy proposal: introducing a 70% minimum tax on alcohol and cannabis products, coupled with a ban on advertising and sponsorship. We believe such action is essential to reversing the rise in substance misuse, especially among vulnerable populations.
This past month, we also joined forces with the Shamiri Institute to host a hybrid forum on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among adolescents in Kenya. The findings were deeply concerning. 1 in 5 young people has experienced four or more ACEs, significantly increasing their risk of depression, anxiety and bullying. The forum emphasized the urgent need for trauma-informed school-based mental health interventions, and the value of youth voices in shaping policy.
And finally, in June, we proudly concluded the second cohort of the African College of Neuropsychopharmacology (AfCNP) School, a space where the next generation of mental health scientists and practitioners are taking shape, led by African priorities, evidence and ambition.
From Rome to Karachi, Kilifi to Nairobi, the work of the Institute continues to expand in reach and relevance. Thank you for walking this journey with us, as partners, colleagues and champions of brain and mental health in the Global South.
Zul Merali,
Founding Director, Brain and Mind Institute
