The summit was a collaborative effort with esteemed partners, further solidifying its significance on the global stage. With Bangladesh emerging as a leader in the vital conversation surrounding wellbeing and social advancement, the Wellbeing Summit Dhaka introduced a fresh perspective to address societal challenges. The summit's innovative approach and dedication to nurturing resilient communities through inner wellbeing placed it at the forefront of social change initiatives.
The opening ceremony, graced by Meerjady Sabrina Flora, ADG, DGHS, as the chief guest and Professor Dr Avra Das Bhowmik, Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as the Guest of Honour, set a vibrant tone for the summit. International Women’s Day was celebrated with emotion, featuring captivating performances including dance, poetry recitations by Shamim Azad, and musical renditions by Farzana Wahid Shayan, all echoing the theme of "Feminism in Wellbeing."
The first day of the summit comprised four insightful sessions. The inaugural session centered on "Creating our Wish Tree," encouraging participants to envision paths towards holistic wellbeing. The plenary session focused into the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul, led by esteemed experts Prof. Mahjabeen Haque PhD, Prof. Kamal Chowdhury, Dr. Ahsan Aziz Sarkar. Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed, Associate professor, Child Adolescent & family psychiatry, NIMH conducted a session featuring the art of mental wellness through compassionate care.
The day continued with engaging workshop sessions focusing on themes ranging from personal resilience to social and emotional learning conducted by Nusrat Jahan, BRAC IED. Participants had the opportunity to explore topics such as ‘Struggle to Strength’ with Monjun Nahar, ‘Crafting Your Inner Wellbeing’, with K N Khan Pinny and ‘Life is an Art’, facilitated by Ayreen Khan.
A photo exhibition curated by award winning photographer Shafiqul Alam Kiron of MAP Photo Agency, reflecting Echoes of Humanity and therapeutic music sessions through Swayambhu’s transformative wellness music and individual consultations with psychotherapists provided avenues for introspection and growth. Day one concluded with activities like ‘Being Active’ with Samida’s garage, Mindful Walk with Masuma Pia, games, play with clay, Wish Tree, reading and discussion on wellbeing of the world.
Day two of the summit featured five enriching sessions, beginning with a plenary session on the power of storytelling with Shawan Mahmud and Asif Iqbal Aontu, moderated by Shahnaz Munni.
Workshop sessions covered diverse subjects including the role of colors conducted by Rippi Bangla, Food and wellbeing by Rubaiya Ahmad, and the art of relaxation by Salma Parvin.
Andalib Mahmud, a neuro linguistics trainer and counselling psychologist conducted the workshop session of Day two as a speaker themed ‘Coping with grief and loss’ and Dr. Nasima Selim, a breath worker & researcher conducted another session themed ‘Shared breathing-beyond yourself’.
A highlight of the day was a photo exhibition curated by Hasan Saifuddin Chandan of MAP photo agency. ‘Mindfulness’ with Farzana Fatema Rumee and ‘Art of Parenting’ conducted by Nayeema Haque, Sr. psychologist BRAC IED also shared human experiences.
A free flow session of Games by Quazi M Ahmed, a leadership consultant, focusing relationship building and wellness tools followed by play with Clay, wish Tree, reading, discussion on wellbeing of the world and also individual consultation session with a psychotherapist themed ‘Mon Niye’.
The summit's concluding session, enriched with cultural performances and baul music. Baul musician Tutun Shah Fakir’s soulful melodies, served as a fitting finale to two days of exploration, collaboration, and inspiration. Throughout the event, participants engaged in free-flow sessions, games, and activities, fostering connections and solidarity in the pursuit of collective wellbeing.
Dr Mohammad Robed Amin, Director, Non-Communicable Disease Control (NCDC), served as the chief guest of the closing ceremony, extended gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Health to IWF.
Monira Rahman, Founder & Executive Director, Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation, Country lead, MHFA Bangladesh, was the lead organizer of this wellbeing summit Dhaka 2024. The strategic partners for this summit were BRAC IED, MAP Photo Agency, Heroes For All, Quazi Consultants, 4M TV-USA, and Liberty Media House.
The Wellbeing Summit Dhaka 2024 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in promoting wellbeing at individual, community, and societal levels. By weaving together the threads of land, language, and life, the summit has paved the way for transformative strategies and initiatives that will ripple across Bangladesh and beyond, igniting waves of positive change for generation to generations.
The author is a contributor of Central and Sounthern Asia Connecting Climate Minds