Report

Built to Thrive: The Case for Investing in Community Wellbeing

Posted October 28, 2026

New research from World YMCA and the McKinsey Health Institute explores how investment, collaboration and innovation can strengthen community wellbeing.

Released in September 2026 alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Built to Thrive: The Case for Investing in Community Wellbeing examines how organisations and communities can work together to improve wellbeing across physical, mental, spiritual and social dimensions.

Developed by World YMCA and the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), the report supports World YMCA’s Vision 2030 agenda, exploring the importance of accessible services, safety, belonging, participation and community agency.

Technology, AI and Human-Centred Care

The report identifies technology and artificial intelligence (AI) as important enablers of community wellbeing, with opportunities to improve service navigation, support frontline professionals and strengthen coordination across community services.

It also highlights the importance of responsible implementation, including data privacy, equitable access, workforce capability and strong governance.

Ireland’s Digital Mental Health Implementation Programme is featured as an example of integrating digital tools into existing health and community services.

Led by Ireland’s Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE), the programme received strategic support from eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC), which convened an invitation-only Digital Mental Health Roundtable and Think Tank in Dublin, bringing together national and international experts across lived experience, policy, academia, the workforce and industry.

This wider programme of work culminated in the launch of Sharing the Vision: Ireland’s Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026–2030 on 20 February 2026.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Professor Anil Thapliyal, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of eMHIC, reflected on the importance of designing systems around community needs:

“The future of community wellbeing will depend not simply on adopting new technologies, but on redesigning systems around the needs of people and communities. If the digital solutions do not work for the people they are intended to serve, then they do not work at all. Hence, authentic community engagement and co-design are essential. Digital mental health tools and AI can extend access, improve navigation and support frontline professionals, but they must be embedded within trusted services and implemented responsibly. eMental Health International Collaborative’s (eMHIC) work with the Government of Ireland reflects the bold and visionary leadership, as well as its determination to drive implementation and build shared ownership among a diverse group of champions for change.”

The report offers useful insights for policymakers, community organisations and digital mental health stakeholders working to strengthen equitable, connected and sustainable systems of support.