This Workgroup is leading the development of the world’s largest open-source mental health AI chatbot and platform, designed to democratize access to mental health information and support worldwide. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, trusted resources, and a global network of partners, we aim to bridge critical gaps in access to care, particularly in underserved communities. Our platform will empower individuals everywhere to find immediate, reliable, and culturally sensitive mental health guidance — creating a scalable, sustainable solution for global well-being.

Committee Co-Chairs:

• Poonacha Machaiah, CEO, Chopra Foundation, Founder & CEO, HumanCyber

• Donnetta Campbell, Founder, Lead Architect, TheSocialArchitects

• Terry Torok, eSports Co-Creator, Founder Creative Intelligence Agency

• Catherine Phillips Executive Director, Europe, GMHT

Industry experts are developing the blueprint for how to launch and develop best practices for new mental health platforms,  including therapeutic programs, educational, and provider networks for on-the-ground pilot programs in underserved regions.

• Olajobi Makinwa, Former Chief, IGA UN Global Impact

• MaryAnne Howland, Founder & CEO, Ibis Communications

• Naila Chowdhury, International Advisor, G20 India

Games, VR/AR, tabletop play and live-streaming together reach billions of people—offering powerful, proven ways to reduce loneliness, teach coping skills and spark help-seeking. This workgroup unites studios, esports leaders, immersive-media creators, researchers and youth voices to (1) spotlight the positive mental-health impact of play, (2) use popular game platforms as distribution channels for trusted well-being content, (3) co-design new digital and off-screen games for high-need communities, and (4) mobilize fundraising events driven by players and streamers. By pairing evidence-based design with global reach, we will turn “play time” into scalable prevention, connection and care.

Committee Co-Chairs:

• Susanna Pollack – President, Games for Change

• Dr Lynn Fiellin – Director, Yale Play2Prevent Lab

• Terry Torok, eSports Co-Creator, Founder Creative Intelligence Agency

Youth around the world are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have surged over the past decade, accelerated by factors such as social media pressures, academic and economic stress, global instability. Access to early, culturally sensitive, and affordable mental health care remains severely limited in many regions, further compounding the crisis. Without immediate, coordinated action, an entire generation risks long-term psychological, educational, and economic setbacks.

Committee Co-leads

• Laurie Meadoff, Founder, The CityKids Foundation

• Jody Weiss, Head of Development, Kindr.org

• Robert Sherman, Founding Partner, SEL Consulting

• Beth Haggerty, Executive Director, GMHT

• Jacob Deitz, Director of Partnerships, GMHT

• Lauren Smith, Co-Founder & Marketing Director, Look Me Up Media