Survivor’s Voice Summit 2026 Puts Spotlight on Youth Mental Health and Cyber Safety

The Survivor’s Voice Summit 2026 successfully wrapped up today, May 19, in the capital. The daylong event at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Auditorium focused on raising mental health awareness, ensuring cyber safety, and developing leadership skills among the country's youth. The conference was a joint initiative by Survivor’s Path and the SRI Welfare Foundation.A major highlight of the gathering was the launch of the Monbarta App and a dedicated 24/7 mental health helpline. Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul-Awal, Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, officially introduced these new technological tools designed to offer accessible psychological support to young people.Organizers noted that today's youth face mounting pressures from cyberbullying, trauma, and complex social expectations. Unfortunately, social stigma and a general lack of awareness often keep these critical conversations in the shadows. The summit aimed to break those barriers by creating a safe, open space for youth, professionals, advocates, and survivors. This vision was captured in the event's central theme: Breaking Silence, Building Hope, Empowering Every Voice.The second half of the conference featured Dr. Sansila Jebrin Priyanka, MP, as the guest of honor. Shaikh Rifad Mahmud, Chairman of the SRI Welfare Foundation, served as the event's convener, while Munzia Snigdha Moon, Chairperson of the Survivor’s Path Foundation, chaired the proceedings. Special guests included Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil, Secretary General of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Dr. S.K. Farid Ahmed, and Fahad Hossain.Throughout the day, participants engaged in detailed discussions on vital issues such as digital well-being, personal development, and networking. A standout segment was the Survivor Chronicles, a special session dedicated to stigma-free conversations and courageous personal stories from those who have overcome trauma. Later in the afternoon, a breakout session focused on drafting a Survivors' Manifesto, outlining clear policy demands to present to the government and other key stakeholders.The summit also hosted two major panel discussions. The youth development panel included Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications at UNDP Bangladesh, alongside Shaikh Rifad Mahmud, Munzia Snigdha Moon, and Mehedi Hasan, with Sanjida from BRAC University moderating. A separate mental health panel brought together prominent psychologist Dr. Atiqul Haq Majumder, researcher and policy analyst Mahadi-Ul-Morshed, public health expert Moududul Hasan, and Dr. A.K.M. Ahsan Habib Nafi, with Dr. Al Amin leading the conversation.Both organizing bodies hope the summit will spark greater mental health awareness and encourage more young people to get involved in social initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to build a strong, lasting network that actively protects the rights and well-being of survivors.