LEADERSHIP AND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON SUICIDE PREVENTION 30 OCTOBER – 3 NOVEMBER 2023 Seoul, Republic of Korea

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes the development of national suicide prevention strategies through the LIVE LIFE approach, which includes situational analysis, multisectoral collaboration, awareness-raising, capacity-building, financing, and surveillance. Effective interventions involve limiting access to means of suicide, responsible media reporting, fostering life skills in adolescents, and early intervention for those at risk.
The Regional Framework for the Future of Mental Health in the Western Pacific 2023−2030 highlights suicide prevention as a key priority, recommending community engagement and psychosocial support. It also emphasizes involving individuals with lived experience in developing prevention strategies.
Following the Core Expert Meeting in March 2023, a leadership workshop was held in Seoul in October 2023, co-organized with the Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention (KFSP). The workshop included technical presentations on the WHO LIVE LIFE approach, field visits, and discussions on practical implementations.
Participants identified strategic priorities, such as improving data systems, promoting mental health in schools, policy development, and gatekeeper training. They valued the workshop’s focus on knowledge exchange and practical learning.