A Mental Health Symposium will take place on June 19, 2025, at Munster Technological University, Kerry North Campus, Ireland, as part of the International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA) 2025. The event will focus on innovative, sustainable, and rights-based approaches to mental health care, closely aligned with Ireland’s national mental health policy, “Sharing the Vision.”

The symposium will explore a holistic model of mental health, highlighting the integration of physical activity, nutrition, and digital technology into health services. It will cover the full continuum of mental health care, from promotion and prevention to early intervention and specialist services, emphasizing person-centered strategies.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Professor Ahmed Hankir, consultant psychiatrist and advocate for lifestyle interventions in mental health, recipient of the 2022 WHO Director-General Award for Global Health.

  • Dr. Karen O’Connor, National Clinical Lead for Early Intervention in Psychosis, who will discuss early intervention strategies and complementary therapies.

  • Aoife Ní Mhuirí, CEO and Founder of Salaso Health Solutions, specializing in digital health technologies for improved mental health service delivery.

Additional presentations will be given by representatives of Special Olympics, Mental Health Ireland, and Safe Food Ireland, focusing on co-created resources to support mental health and well-being for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

A panel discussion moderated by Catherine Carty, UNESCO Chair Manager at MTU, will address the theme of “Integrating Sustainable Development and Human Rights in Mental Health.” Panelists include David Donoghue, former Ambassador of Ireland to the United Nations, and Dr. Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman for Children.

The symposium welcomes mental health service users, families, academics, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners in fields such as adapted physical activity, nutrition, and metabolic health. A gala dinner will follow at the Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa, with attendees invited to wear formal or national attire.

Registration fees will support operational costs and provide bursaries for participants from low- and middle-income countries.

For further information and registration, visit www.aclu.ie or direct queries to UNESCO@MTU.ie.