PURPOSE: On September 10th each year for the World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day; We focus global attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
FORUM: “Changing the narrative on suicide.” World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700 000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #BeTheLight, #10September; #CreatingHopeThroughAction.
EVENTS: On September 10th, a webinar organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention with the World Health Organization (WHO) will be held to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable. Those contemplating or affected by suicide are also encouraged to share their stories and seek professional help. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments- can take action to prevent suicide. Register to participate!
From 10-13 June 2025 in Vienna, Austria, The International Association for Suicide Prevention was hosting the 33rd IASP World Congress. In 2025, the IASP was proud to celebrate a momentous milestone as the IASP 33rd World Congress returns to Austria for their 65th anniversary. For over six decades, IASP has remained at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy, working to create a compassionate world, free of suicide. The 33rd World Congress for the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in Vienna 2025 will bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and advocates from around the globe to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on strategies to address this pressing public health issue. Their goal was to foster an inclusive, multidisciplinary dialogue that advances understanding, prevention, and intervention strategies for suicide and suicidal behaviours.
The Congress Objectives are to :
Enhancing Knowledge: To disseminate the latest research findings and innovative practices in suicide prevention, encouraging the integration of evidence-based strategies into clinical and community settings.
Promoting Collaboration: To provide a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals from various fields, including psychology, psychiatry, public health, sociology, and education.
Policy Development: To engage policymakers in discussions on the creation and implementation of effective suicide prevention strategies. The Congress will highlight successful frameworks and advocate for systemic changes that support suicide prevention efforts globally.
Addressing Diversity: To recognize and address the diverse cultural, social, and economic factors that influence suicidal behaviour. The Congress will emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches and the need to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of different populations.
Empowering Voices: To amplify the voices of those with lived experiences of suicide and their families. By sharing their stories and insights, we aim to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and inform more compassionate and effective prevention strategies.
STATEMENTS: Read the Remarks by WHO/PAHO Director General on the World Suicide Prevention Day 2025; September 10th.
PODCASTS: By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain. You can be the light. Let’s Highlight the importance of setting suicide prevention as a priority public health agenda by countries, particularly where access to mental health services and availability of evidence-based interventions are already low. Listen to the audio podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide whether as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a person with lived experience. We can all encourage understanding about the issue, reach in to people who are struggling, and share our experiences. We can all create hope through action and be the light.Get the communication materials! WSPD Film & the World Suicide Prevention Day Campaign Pack
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
The World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day is hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the International Association of Suicide Prevention (IASP); Governmental health representatives, People with lived experience; Researchers and people in academia; Regional civil society organizations; Media Organizations and the General Public.
The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
Each suicidal death is a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them.
Raise awareness on suicide prevention, reducing the stigma around suicide.
Encourage well-informed action.
Reduce instances of suicide around the world.
Promote stakeholder collaboration and self-empowerment to address self-harm and suicide through preventative action.
Facilitate an open discussion on mental health at home, at school, in the workplace, etc…