Mental health is a fundamental pillar of global health and sustainable development, and is intrinsically linked to individual well-being, social cohesion, economic productivity and the resilience of health systems.
Despite the growing global recognition of mental health as a public health priority, significant obstacles remain – such as stigma, chronic underfunding, a shortage of qualified professionals and insufficient legislative and policy frameworks – which continue to hamper effective responses, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Recognizing this gap, UNITE – the only global network of current and former parliamentarians dedicated to Global Health – launched the Mental Health Policy Desk in September 2025, in New York, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
This platform is designed to support parliamentarians worldwide – with a special focus on the Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP) – in promoting legislative reforms, mobilising sustainable investment, and shaping more inclusive and resilient mental health services.
Given UNITE’s role and structure as a global network of parliamentarians, it is uniquely placed to mobilize high-level policymakers, build cross-sector alliances, and provide evidence-based tools for strengthening national mental health responses.
The Mental Health Policy Desk was officially launched on 26 September 2025 at the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations in New York, during the 80th UN General Assembly. .
The event brought together parliamentarians, government leaders, representatives of international organizations, and private sector partners, including Chevron, to underscore the urgent need for stronger political action, sustainable investment, and evidence-based legislation to address the global mental health crisis.
The launch took place just one day after the Political Declaration on the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, which, for the first time, included a historic reference to mental heal.
Through a strategic approach, and a continuous analysis of political opportunities, both at national and international level, the Policy Desk will seek to:
The Desk’s regional launch in the PALOP took place on 24 October 2025 in Praia during the high-level multisectoral meeting “Minds in Action: Leadership and Mental Health Policies in the PALOP”. The event aimed to formally launch the Mental Health Policy Desk in the region, review Cape Verde’s Mental Health Law (Law No. 37/VIII/2013), and identify key legislative and policy priorities for advancing mental health governance in the PALOP.
The meeting brought together parliamentarians, government representatives, civil society, academia, and international partners, creating a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation on mental health. High-level attendees included the WHO Representative in Cape Verde (1st), the First Lady of Cape Verde (2nd), and the Cooperation Attaché of the Embassy of Portugal in Cape Verde (3rd).
Parliamentarians involved:
Institutions represented:
Chevron’s sponsorship of UNITE’s Mental Health Policy Desk exemplifies a committed approach to mental health as a critical pillar of global health and the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
In her message to celebrate the desk’s Launch, Dr. Huma Abbasi perfectly summarized the importance of Chevron’s collaboration with UNITE. Given that people spend much of their waking hours at their workplace, it becomes a key environment for workers physical and mental well-being.
Employers must prioritize healthy work environments to avoid the repercussions of poor mental health, such as decreased employee satisfaction, lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover.
Dr. Abbasi also highlighted Chevron’s dedication to fostering a mentally healthy workforce, which has earned the company:
Chevron’s commitment to employee mental health and work-life balance is evident. At UNITE, supported by Chevron, we aim to catalyse political momentum, promote legislative reforms, and secure sustainable investments in mental health systems, reinforcing our shared dedication to advancing SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 8 (Decent Work).
If your organization is interested in supporting the work of our Mental Health Policy Desk, please reach out to our Desk’s Lead, Lídia Biai lidia.biai@unitenetwork.org
