Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance - Inaugural Assembly 27th-28th October 2025

The Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance successfully convened it's Inaugural Assembly in Kathmandu, Nepal on 27th–28th October 2025, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional commitment to comprehensive and evidence-based suicide prevention systems across Asia.

The two-day assembly brought together national representatives from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand, and Malaysia, who participated in person to engage in high-level dialogue, strategic planning, and collaborative learning to advance the Zero Suicide framework within their respective health and policy ecosystems.

In addition, this landmark event was joined by esteemed partners and observers, including representatives from the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal, Mental Hospital Lagankhel, Nepal, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF Nepal, UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia, KOSHISH, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health South Asia Regional Network (CAMHSAN), Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal whose presence underscored the shared regional priority of advancing suicide prevention and mental health system strengthening.

The assembly was hosted by the GTA Foundation, serving as the Secretariat for the Asia Alliance, in close collaboration with Henry Ford Health, the founding organization. The convening provided a platform to reaffirm collective commitment to implementing the Zero Suicide approach, fostering multisector collaboration, and supporting capacity building, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy for sustainable suicide prevention across Asia.

This inaugural gathering sets a strong foundation for coordinated regional action, reinforcing the vision that suicide is preventable and every life is valued. The Alliance will continue its efforts to support countries in operationalizing Zero Suicide principles, enhancing leadership and workforce capacity, and promoting compassionate, data-driven, and integrated care systems.