Who We Are
WFMH Board Candidates for Election
2025-2027
Mamoun Mobayed
Country: Northern Ireland
Region: Europe
Nominator: Syrian Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Candidate 1000 word statement
It is with a deep sense of commitment to mental health advocacy, service, and global collaboration that I submit this statement in support of my nomination for membership on the Board of Directors of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). I am a consultant psychiatrist with over 40 years of clinical and leadership experience in mental health, working across diverse geographical and cultural settings, including the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East.
Throughout my career, I have consistently championed mental health awareness, education, and trauma-informed care. My professional journey has been shaped not only by clinical expertise but also by a strong dedication to humanitarian advocacy, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict and natural disasters. I have worked directly in several regions impacted by war and crisis, including Northern Ireland, Syria, Libya, Kashmir, Kosovo, and areas of China affected by earthquakes. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the devastating psychological consequences of trauma on individuals, families, and communities. They have also fueled my enduring commitment to delivering sustainable, culturally sensitive mental health interventions in crisis settings.
In 2022, I was honored to be invited by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an international expert to support the development of a national mental health strategy for Libya. Working collaboratively with Libyan colleagues, we produced a comprehensive and contextually relevant plan that laid the foundation for building sustainable mental health services in a post-conflict setting. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of international partnerships and the role of culturally informed, locally led mental health policy development. More recently, I have been exploring ways to contribute to a future mental health action plan for Syria, one that could be implemented after political transition. My goal is to ensure that mental health is a core component of national reconstruction and healing.
I have also been actively involved in advocacy and institution-building. In 2012, I co-founded the Syrian Association for Mental Health (SAMH), a professional and humanitarian initiative born out of the urgent mental health needs of Syrians during the ongoing conflict. I served as SAMH’s president for four years, leading efforts in advocacy, mental health awareness, and professional networking. One of my proudest contributions during that time was helping secure SAMH’s membership in the WFMH, strengthening the link between Syrian mental health professionals and the global mental health community. Representing SAMH, I participated in numerous WFMH events and built collaborative relationships.
In the realm of education, I have contributed as both a lecturer and mentor. I served as an honorary lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland and later as a psychology professor at Qatar Community College, where I taught for few years. I continue to mentor young professionals and advocate for the integration of mental health education across medical and non-medical settings.
My leadership experience includes directing multidisciplinary mental health treatment teams for over a decade, overseeing both inpatient and community-based services. I have been responsible for developing service models, supervising clinical care, and promoting team-based, patient-centered practices. I believe that this blend of clinical leadership and administrative experience is crucial for contributing meaningfully to the governance of a global mental health organization such as the WFMH.
As a researcher and writer, I have published several papers focusing on trauma-related mental health conditions, particularly in conflict zones. My publications aim to highlight the psychological toll of war and displacement, and to propose models of culturally appropriate mental health care that can be implemented in fragile and resource-limited settings. I believe that the dissemination of such knowledge is essential to global mental health advocacy. I have also published 16 books on mental health, parenting and emotional intelligence.
My motivation for seeking a role on the WFMH Board of Directors stems from a desire to give back to the global mental health community and to further contribute to the Federation’s mission. While I have had the privilege of representing SAMH at the WFMH for several years, I have never before served on the Board. I believe this is the right time to deepen my involvement, share the breadth of my experience, and support the Federation’s strategic objectives.
As a prospective Board member, I bring the following assets:
- Decades of Clinical Experience: As a consultant psychiatrist with over four decades of experience in diverse mental health systems, I bring a wealth of knowledge in diagnosis, treatment, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Leadership in Crisis and Post-Conflict Settings: My direct involvement in conflict zones and disaster-affected areas equips me with a unique understanding of trauma-informed care, emergency response, and the development of psychosocial support systems under extreme circumstances.
- Policy Development Expertise: My work with WHO on Libya’s national mental health strategy and my current efforts to support Syria’s future mental health planning reflect my ability to engage in high-level strategic thinking and policy design.
- Global and Cross-Cultural Perspective: My work across continents allows me to contribute to the Federation’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural diversity, and equitable mental health access.
- Advocacy and Organizational Development: My role in establishing and leading SAMH demonstrates my ability to develop and sustain professional organizations and link them to international networks.
- Educational Commitment: With experience in both formal and informal teaching, I advocate for global mental health literacy and professional development.
- Commitment to the WFMH’s Mission: I share the Federation’s vision of promoting the highest possible level of mental health for all people. I am committed to supporting its work through policy input, advocacy, program development, and regional engagement.
In conclusion, I would consider it a great honor to serve on the WFMH Board of Directors. I offer my long-standing commitment to mental health, my experience in conflict and post-conflict mental health care, my work in policy development, and my passion for global collaboration. I believe I can meaningfully support the Federation’s efforts to advocate for mental health equity and resilience worldwide.
Thank you for considering my nomination.
Candidate additional statement if provided