Leaders Call for Prioritisation of Mental Health at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland

The WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland has long served as a platform for discussing global challenges and solutions. In 2025, mental health emerged as a key topic as experts, policymakers, and business leaders convened to address the growing global mental health crisis. Leaders discussed the need for preventative and integrated healthcare, with a crucial focus on addressing the mental health crisis within the world’s youth. Leaders also explored the role of technology as a game-changer in addressing mental health issues while highlighting the funding gap as a critical barrier, encouraging both public and private investment to bridge this divide. The discussions underscored that mental health investments are not only a social good but also an economic imperative, as untreated mental health conditions lead to productivity losses and increased healthcare costs.

One of the central themes at Davos was the need for a proactive approach to mental health. Experts emphasised that mental health should not be treated reactively but should be integrated into primary healthcare. This shift requires healthcare systems to move beyond crisis management towards early intervention and prevention. Organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the WEF advocated for a more holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that mental health services are embedded within general health services. This integration would make it easier for individuals to seek help without stigma while improving early detection and intervention strategies.

The impact of technology on mental healthcare was a key discussion point at the 2025 WEF meeting. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health platforms are increasingly being utilised to provide personalised mental health support. AI-powered chatbots, virtual therapists, and telehealth services are helping bridge access gaps, particularly in underserved regions. One initiative discussed was the use of AI in mental health diagnostics. These AI models can detect early signs of anxiety, depression, and stress through voice analysis, facial recognition, and behavioural patterns. Such advancements make mental health support more accessible, particularly for those who may not have access to in-person therapy.

Additionally, mobile apps and wearable devices are being integrated into mental health care, enabling individuals to track their well-being, practise mindfulness, and access self-help tools. Such initiatives include platforms such as Headspace, Calm, Sanvello, and the Pure Land Foundation which share digital content including insights, teachings and practical tools for individuals. The Pure Land Foundation, in addition to providing original content to improve mental health, emphasises upon the importance of inner transformation as a pathway to societal change and collective well being. These innovations reflect a shift towards a more patient-centred approach to mental healthcare.

Leaders at Davos also acknowledged that workplace mental health must be a priority. With the rise of burnout and workplace stress, companies are recognising the need to invest in employee mental well-being. Speakers highlighted the benefits of fostering a mentally healthy work environment, including increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. Companies such as Unilever and Deloitte shared best practices, including mental health days, flexible work arrangements, and employee assistance programmes. The WEF emphasised that mental health should be viewed as an essential component of human capital investment.

A critical focus at the forum was youth mental health, with many experts stressing the need for early intervention programmes for young people. Kids Help Phone, a Canadian organisation, launched AcceleratorKHP, a global initiative designed to enhance youth mental health support.

The initiative leverages technology to create personalised mental health experiences for young individuals, incorporating AI-driven solutions and digital counselling platforms. Given the rise of social media and digital interactions, ensuring that young people have access to reliable and effective mental health resources was a major point of discussion.

Leaders also addressed the significant funding gap as a major barrier to improving mental health services worldwide. Investors, philanthropists, and policymakers at Davos explored ways to bridge this gap, with a strong push for increased public and private investment in mental health research and innovative treatment models.

One proposed solution was the development of mental health-focused investment funds. These funds would support start-ups and organisations working on breakthrough mental health treatments, digital therapeutics, and community-based mental health programmes. The discussions reiterated that mental health investments are not only a social necessity but also an economic imperative.

Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma remains a major obstacle. Davos attendees underscored the need for continued efforts to normalise mental health discussions in communities, workplaces, and policymaking spheres. One of the initiatives discussed was the "Breaking the Silence" campaign, which aims to encourage open conversations about mental health at all levels of society. Public figures, business leaders, and policymakers shared personal stories to help destigmatise seeking support for mental health challenges.

Finally, governments can play a crucial role in shaping mental through health policies and ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to mental health services. At Davos, global leaders discussed the need for stronger policy frameworks to integrate mental health into national healthcare systems.

The discussions at Davos, Switzerland have made it clear that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in addressing the global mental health crisis. The call to action highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration, the leveraging of technology, and the prioritisation of mental health in policymaking and corporate strategies. Investments in mental health are not merely a social good but also an economic imperative, as untreated mental health issues result in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs. Bruno Wang, founder of the Pure Land Foundation, views the global mental health crisis as one of the greatest challenges facing society today. In response, the Pure Land Foundation provides advocacy and learning opportunities aimed at enhancing social, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Wang has praised the World Economic Forum’s focus on mental health at Davos, Switzerland, as a significant step towards a world where mental well-being is prioritised and supported at every level of society. Wang has committed his foundation’s efforts to support the WEF’s work on mental health, helping to make content more accessible to those seeking answers and solutions to issues such as anxiety and other mental health-related challenges.