Oevaru is a mental health research conference hosted by the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Maldives. Following the success of our inaugural Oevaru 2023, we are proud to present the next chapter of this journey: Oevaru 2026 – Delving Deep, Weaving Connections.
The word Oevaru, meaning “currents,” reflects both the movement of the ocean and the flow of ideas and connections that shape our collective understanding of mental health. Much like currents that run deep beneath the surface, this conference seeks to explore the unseen, complex layers of mental health and well-being while strengthening the networks that sustain them.
Oevaru 2026 builds on the foundation of the first conference, where practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and lived-experience voices came together to create a pivotal moment for mental health discourse in the Maldives. This second conference aims to go deeper—bringing new insights, amplifying local and global research, and weaving connections across disciplines, sectors, and communities.
The program will feature keynote speeches, academic and practice-based presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and Oevaru Salla—a platform where youth, professionals, and community leaders pitch innovative, evidence-based ideas directly to decision-makers. Together, these elements will create an inclusive forum to share knowledge, highlight innovation, and foster collaboration.
Objectives
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To provide a platform for presenting local, national, and global research on mental health, showcasing innovative approaches and practices.
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To deepen exploration of systemic, cultural, and community dimensions of mental health, moving beyond surface-level discourse.
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To connect diverse stakeholders—researchers, practitioners, policymakers, service users, and advocates—and strengthen collaboration.
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To advance evidence-based policymaking and advocate for sustained investment in mental health in the Maldives and beyond.
At its heart, Oevaru 2026 is about diving deep into the complexities of mental health while weaving stronger connections between people, communities, and systems. By doing so, we aim to shape a future where mental health is accessible, equitable, and central to collective well-being.