United Nations Liaison Committee
Chair, Vivian Pender, MD

Committee Mission
As a representative of the NYCPS to the United Nations, the UN Liaison Committee strives to decrease the burden of mental illness in individuals and communities worldwide. Through education and advocacy, the committee aims to inspire change by bridging its mission with the United Nations’ mission to promote peace and security.

Committee Vision
We are working to facilitate a world, where all communities have full access to innovative, high-quality, affordable, evidence-based mental health prevention and treatment, where we all have the opportunity to achieve our fullest potential and, where all can participate in and contribute to every aspect of life irrespective of mental illness.

Committee Goals
• To represent the goals and values of the American Psychiatric Association within the United Nations.
• To partner with other NGOs working with the UN system to work towards the mission and vision of our organization.
• To raise awareness within the psychiatric community about international issues and concerns that could impact the wellbeing of people living with mental illness or at risk of developing it.
• To help the international community recognize the mental health consequences of poverty, forced migration, war and other chronic adversities.

*If you would like more information about this committee, please contact us at [email protected] and let us know about any previous experience you have had with the United Nations or international governments.

Upcoming Events & Ways to Get Involved

 Coming soon! This Committee is looking for new members. Email us at [email protected] for more information!

Past Events

From Violence to Healing: Global Evidence and Policy Imperatives for Transgender and Gender Diverse Mental Health: A virtual presentation at the Commission on the Status of Women

March 19, 2026

Women's Mental Health Impact on Gender Equality & Economic Empowerment: A virtual presentation at the Commission on the Status of Women 

March 21, 2024

Women's Education and Mental Health: A Bidirectional Relationship: A virtual presentation at the Commission on the Status of Women

March 16, 2023

Mental Health Stressors: The Unspoken Barrier for Women's Economic Empowerment

March 24, 2022

Movie Night
December 10, 2018

The UN Committee hosted a movie night on the topic of sexual harassment in the work place and a screening of the film, The Story of North Country. 

Integrated Care for Individuals with Mental Disabilities
June 15, 2017

Under the leadership of Dr. Vivian Pender, the UN Committee organized a panel at the United Nations. The presentation was a side-event of the 10th Conference of States Parties of the 61st session of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Movie Night
December 6, 2017

Movie Night
December 14, 2016