What similarities or differences did you see between the global summit in Bilbao and the regional summit held in Dhaka?
Both summits embraced a holistic approach. We engaged the community, there were collaborative opportunities, and we discussed policies and advocacy.
The primary difference was the context. The global summit addressed wellbeing issues on a broader international scale, while the Dhaka summit focused specifically on the unique challenges and opportunities within Bangladesh. This regional focus allowed for a more tailored discussion on culturally relevant solutions and available resources. The global summit had access to a wide range of resources, including international experts, while the Dhaka summit highlighted innovative ways that local organizations and individuals are making impactful changes despite limited resources.
The global summit had access to a wide range of resources, including international experts, while the Dhaka summit highlighted innovative ways that local organizations and individuals are making impactful changes despite limited resources.
Which summit did you prefer?
Both were crucial to me. The local summit was significant because it was part of my country. That’s definitely why it was the best. But Bilbao was the most amazing since it was my first international summit. This gave me the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and gain diverse experiences. So, while Dhaka was best for local relevance, Bilbao remains the most memorable.
What has your wellbeing for social change journey been like since you attended the wellbeing summit in Bilbao in 2022?
Since the Bilbao summit, I’ve been working with my community to ensure better mental health systems. You might be surprised to know that in Bangladesh, we don’t have many mental health professionals, with only thousands for 160 million people. And 90% of the professionals are practicing in the capital. So practicing outside of Dhaka is a very big challenge.
When I joined Bilbao, there were people from different parts of the world also working on this issue. They are also going through this. I heard their stories. I asked, “If you’re going through that kind of problem, what was your approach? How do you track all this? How do you collaborate with other people? How do you manage the funding?”
I’m leveraging everything I learned at Bilbao to connect with my community and address these issues, making mental health services more accessible and affordable for everyone. Our vision is to provide mental health services that anyone can access from anywhere at their convenient time.
What is your opinion of the wellbeing for social change movement in Bangladesh after attending the summit in Dhaka?
The movement in Bangladesh adopts a comprehensive approach, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. This holistic strategy is crucial for fostering sustainable and impactful solutions for change. The summit highlighted numerous grassroots initiatives that empower local communities to take charge of their wellbeing. This bottom-up approach is effective, ensuring culturally relevant and community-driven solutions.
The wellbeing for social change movement in Bangladesh is a promising path. The increasing dedication, innovation, and collaborative efforts observed at the Dhaka summit reinforce my belief that this movement will continue to significantly improve lives across the country. I’m really excited to see how this initiative evolves and contributes to a healthier and more equitable society.
