Written by Wietske Dijkink
October 7 & 8 last, Minister Kaag for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation opened the International Conference on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Crisis Situations. A conference where the attention was drawn to the provision of mental and psychosocial assistance as a basic part of emergency aid during disasters and conflicts.
Part of the responsibility for organizing this conference lay in the hands of ZonderZorg. After a long preparation, the Royal Tropical Institute opened its doors on Monday morning and the first guests were welcomed. With a badge and a well-stocked sustainable bag, they were led to the Queen Máxima Room, where Minister Kaag gave an opening speech.
The conference consisted of plenary sessions as well as small-scale breakout sessions. Speakers from all over the world told personal stories and highlighted the importance of mental and psychosocial help during crisis situations. In the basement of the institute there was a Connect & Exchange space with stands where humanitarian organizations provided information about their work on this important theme of the conference.
At ZonderZorg, we look back on two wonderful days where many cultures, countries and people came together to provide a platform for a worldwide known problem. We are therefore convinced that mental and psychosocial assistance should be self-evident in disasters and conflicts.
We would like to thank all invitees!
