Last week, our LAC Regional Coordinator Andrés Martínez spoke at the Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Countries on Sustainable Development at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), where he participated in the panel on SDG 3: Health and Well-being.
He emphasized the urgency of placing mental health at the center of sustainable development strategies in the region and called for increased investment in community-led, culturally grounded, and faith-sensitive approaches. He also highlighted the critical role of religious actors and Indigenous traditions in supporting the well-being of communities affected by violence, displacement, and inequality, arguing that mental health is not only a human right but also a collective asset for social transformation.
1. Andres Martinez, Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities; 2. Rabino Daniel Zang, Comunidad Israelita Sefaradí de Chile; 3. Elias Szczytnicki, Regional Secretary General for Latin America and the Caribbean at Religions for Peace; 4. Izani Bruch, Obispa Iglesia Evangélica Luterana-Evangelical chaplain of the Government House at the Palacio de La Moneda; 5. Hna. Nelly León, Fundación Mujer Levántate; 6. Rev. Eduardo Cid, Misión Evangélica Wesleyana en Chile; 7. Arturo Coña, Espiritualidad Mapuche; 8. Claudia Espinosa, Alianza ACT.
