Event – Africancanadianfoundation

Welcome to the GC-SASMR-2025

Welcome to the Global Conference on Substance Use, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience! GC-SASMR 2025, a significant gathering addressing Substance Use, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience within the African Canadian community. The event is designed to shed light on crucial issues, provide a platform for meaningful discussions, and promote holistic wellness.

The Global Conference on Substance Use, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience! GC-SASMR 2025 will be held on September 12th to 14th, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. African Canadian Foundation Inc will host the GC-SASMR 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

GC-SASMR-2025

Substance abuse, addiction, and suicide are global public health crises, affecting millions of individuals and families across diverse cultures and communities. These issues are often interconnected, fueled by stigma, socio-economic challenges, and gaps in mental health support systems. The African Canadian Foundation recognizes the urgent need for collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches to tackle these challenges, particularly in fostering mental resilience as a cornerstone of prevention and recovery.

Canada, known for its inclusive and multicultural society, provides an ideal platform for fostering meaningful dialogue and sharing global best practices in addressing these interconnected issues. The Global Conference on Substance Abuse, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience 2025 will convene thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, mental health practitioners, and community organizations to explore innovative strategies and foster global partnerships.

Explore the intersection of mental health, substance use, addiction, and resilience at our ground-breaking conference. Join experts, researchers, and advocates from around the world as we delve into innovative approaches to navigating the complex paths to wellness.

Nearly 20 million individuals and their families are affected by addiction or substance use disorders every year. It can happen to anyone, any family, anywhere. Caring about, living with, or loving a person with an addictive disease can be challenging. Learning about addiction, treatment, and recovery can help you relate to and support your loved ones on their path to recovery.

THEME:

“Building Bridges to Recovery: Global Perspectives on Mental Resilience

Date: September 12th to 14th, 2025

"Navigating Paths to Wellness," reflects our commitment to exploring holistic approaches for a healthier future.

Why Attend?

Holistic Approach

Our conference adopts a comprehensive perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health challenges and the importance of addressing them holistically.

Inclusive Discussions

Foster a supportive environment for open conversations about substance use, addiction, suicide, and mental resilience, promoting inclusivity and breaking down stigmas.

Actionable Insights

Gain practical knowledge and actionable insights that can be applied in various professional and personal settings.

Event Venue

Mark your calendars for September 12th to 14th, 2025, as GC-SASMR-2025 unfolds at the heart of Toronto, 237 Sackville Street, Toronto, ON, M5A 3G1. Discover the vibrant city of Toronto and the dynamic environment it offers for engaging discussions and collaborative efforts.

Registration Information

For those beyond borders, international participants are invited to join at a registration fee of $430 CAD, while International Exhibitors can showcase their work for $520 CAD. Secure your spot in this impactful conference aimed at fostering a healthier and more resilient community.

Register Now for the Global Conference on Substance Use, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience!

Join experts, researchers, and advocates from around the world as we delve into innovative approaches to navigating the complex paths to wellness.

The Global Conference on Substance Abuse, Addiction, Suicide, and Mental Resilience 2025 aims to be a transformative event, sparking meaningful conversations and actions to combat pressing global challenges. Together, we can build a future of hope, resilience, and recovery for individuals and communities worldwide.

Objectives

The conference aims to:

1.Raise Awareness: Highlight the global burden of substance abuse, addiction, and suicide, emphasizing their socio-economic and cultural dimensions.

2.Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for sharing evidence-based practices and fostering partnerships across sectors and regions.

3.Empower Communities: Equip participants with tools and strategies to promote mental resilience at individual, community, and systemic levels.

4.Drive Policy Change: Advocate for effective policies that address the root causes of addiction and mental health challenges.

Key Topics

1.Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction:

•Neurobiological, psychological, and social dimensions.

•Emerging trends in substance use disorders.

2.Preventing Suicide and Building Mental Resilience:

•Global and local perspectives on suicide prevention.

•Tools for fostering resilience in vulnerable populations.

3.Breaking the Stigma:

•Addressing cultural barriers and misconceptions surrounding addiction and mental health.

•Media’s role in changing narratives.

4.Innovations in Treatment and Recovery:

•Advances in therapeutic approaches, technology, and interventions.

•Community-based recovery models.

5.Intersectionality and Equity:

•Exploring the intersections of race, gender, and socio-economic status in mental health and addiction.

•Spotlight on African Canadian and immigrant communities.

Format

The three-day conference will feature:

•Keynote Addresses: Delivered by globally renowned experts.

•Panel Discussions: Focused on sharing diverse perspectives.

•Workshops and Masterclasses: Hands-on sessions for skill-building.

•Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections among stakeholders.

•Exhibitions: Showcasing innovative tools, resources, and services.

Expected Outcomes

1.Actionable Recommendations: A comprehensive report with strategies for implementation at community, national, and international levels.

2.Strengthened Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives among participating organizations.

3.Increased Awareness: Amplified understanding of mental health and addiction issues across communities.

Target Audience

•Policymakers and government representatives.

•Health professionals and social workers.

•Academics and researchers.

•Community leaders and non-profit organizations.

•Individuals with lived experiences and their families.

Sponsorship and Support

The African Canadian Foundation invites partnerships with governments, corporations, non-profits, and community organizations to make this event impactful. Sponsorship opportunities include keynote sponsorships, exhibitor booths, and co-branded awareness campaigns.

Be part of a global movement to tackle the interconnected crises of substance abuse, addiction, suicide, and mental health. Together, we can foster resilience, create change, and save lives.

For inquiries, sponsorships, and registration, contact:

African Canadian Foundation

Visa Information

Visitors into Canada

Visitors to Canada require a valid passport and many visitors require a visitor’s visa. Obtaining a travel Visa is the responsibility of the participants. We will assist you by providing an invitation letter for registered participants but we are not an authority on Visa issues, nor can we help with expediting the Visa process. Normally you/your spouse must be registered participant/s to be considered for Visa. Therefore please register early and prepare for visa.

Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that delegates visit the website of the Canadian visa office responsible for processing their visa application. Information is available on the website on how to submit a visa application and the documentation required.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year. Participants are encouraged to apply approximately 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time.

For information on visa requirements and exemptions, please check with the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

To learn more online, click here.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. As of November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals are expected to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA.To learn more online, click here.

NEW – Biometrics (Global Expansion)

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to give your biometrics:

Starting July 31, 2018 the biometric requirement becomes mandatory for nationals of Europe, Middle East and Africa, and
Starting December 31, 2018 the biometric requirement becomes mandatory for nationals of Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas. For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.