An international symposium brought together experts to explore how responsible AI innovation, lived experience and cross-border collaboration can improve mental health outcomes.
The eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) was pleased to partner with the Dalhousie Centre for Global Mental Health in Nova Scotia and the University of Toronto’s T-CAIREM Mental Health Community of Practice Network in Ontario for Beyond the Algorithm: Human-Centred AI for Global Mental Health.
The symposium brought together experts committed to advancing the responsible development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental healthcare, with a focus on improving outcomes across diverse populations.
Professor Anil Thapliyal, Founder, President and CEO of eMHIC, contributed virtually to the event, emphasising the importance of values-based international collaboration and keeping people at the centre of innovation.
Putting People at the Centre of AI Innovation
Discussions explored the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating AI into mental health systems, including how emerging technologies can support meaningful improvements in care.
A central theme was the importance of considering what AI should do, alongside what it is capable of achieving, and defining success through the experiences and outcomes of the people it is intended to support.
Reflecting on this principle, Professor Thapliyal reiterated a message central to eMHIC’s approach:
“If it does not work for people with lived experience, their families and carers, then it does not work at all.”
Professor Vincent Agyapong similarly highlighted the importance of measuring AI’s value through its real-world impact:
“The success of AI in mental health must be measured not by the sophistication of its algorithms, but by the difference it makes in people’s lives.”
These perspectives reinforce the need for responsible implementation, meaningful lived experience involvement and a clear understanding of how AI can contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Collaboration Across Borders
The symposium also highlighted the value of international partnerships in navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI-enabled mental healthcare.
eMHIC acknowledges the leadership and contributions of Professor Vincent Agyapong, the Honourable Brian Comer, Professor Venkat Bhat, Professor Andrew Greenshaw, Dave Gallson and Dr Patricia Lingley-Pottie in advancing these important conversations.
For eMHIC, the event reflects a longstanding commitment to bringing together expertise across disciplines, sectors and geographical boundaries to support responsible digital mental health innovation.
As health systems explore the potential of AI, shared learning and values-based collaboration will be essential to developing approaches that are safe, equitable, scalable and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
The symposium offered an important opportunity to strengthen these connections and reaffirm a shared commitment to human-centred mental healthcare.
