On 16 April 2026, global leaders gathered in New York City for a high-level event focused on advancing mental health care in humanitarian contexts. Transforming Mental Healthcare with Technology brought together stakeholders from across the United Nations, financial institutions, academia, clinical practice, NGOs, diplomatic missions, and lived experience communities—united by a shared commitment to strengthening support for people affected by crises.
The evening marked an important milestone for the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC), with the formal launch of two key initiatives designed to drive impact at scale.
New eMHIC Initiatives Driving Global Impact
1) MHPSS Webinar Series: Supporting First Responders on the Front Line
A dedicated webinar series was launched to support Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) first responders—those delivering immediate, short-term psychological care in the aftermath of emergencies, disasters, and conflict. The series is designed to strengthen frontline capacity by supporting early intervention, stabilisation, and connection to ongoing care. It also creates a global platform for shared learning and practical guidance across diverse humanitarian settings.
The inaugural webinar, scheduled for June 2026, will be chaired by Judy Kuriansky (USA) and co-chaired by Ananda Galappatti from Sri Lanka.
2) The eMHIC Collaborative Learning Hub: Enabling Global Knowledge Exchange
Alongside the webinar series, eMHIC introduced the upcoming Collaborative Learning Hub, designed to support knowledge exchange, implementation, and capacity-building in digital mental health. The Hub will bring together curated insights, practical resources, and international perspectives to help stakeholders translate strategy into action. With a strong focus on real-world application, it aims to support cross-sector collaboration and accelerate progress across digital mental health systems worldwide.
A Convergence of Global Voices
The gathering reflected a rare convergence of perspectives, with participants spanning policy, funding, research, clinical care, and lived experience. Contributions throughout the evening reinforced the importance of coordinated, cross-sector approaches to addressing the growing mental health needs in humanitarian settings.
An address from eMHIC’s Board Chair Charles Curie highlighted the urgency of strengthening global systems through collaboration and innovation. The programme also featured powerful artistic and lived experience contributions, including performances by Princess Lockeroo and Russell Daisey, and a moving address from Nick Yarris, whose reflections underscored the human impact behind system-level change.
Recognising Leadership and Lifelong Contribution
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Leadership Excellence Award to Judy Kuriansky, in recognition of her extensive global contributions as a mental health first responder and her work advancing the integration of technology and social innovation in care.
The award was presented by Charles Curie, eMHIC Board Chair. In addition, Dr Kuriansky was honoured with lifetime membership in eMHIC’s Digital Mental Health Hall of Fame, recognising her enduring impact on the field.
Building a Shared Future
The evening was made possible through the support of partners including the International Association of Applied Psychology and The Baqar Foundation, alongside the leadership of Dr Kuriansky and collaborators.
More than a single event, Transforming Mental Healthcare with Technology reflected a broader movement toward coordinated, technology-enabled approaches to mental health in humanitarian settings. It reinforced a shared commitment across sectors and regions: to ensure that, even in the most challenging circumstances, no one is left without support.
As these new initiatives take shape, they signal a continued shift from dialogue to implementation—grounded in collaboration, informed by lived experience, and focused on delivering meaningful impact at scale.
