On January 29, 2026, over 30 international experts convened in an online workshop at TU Delft, organized by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre (DDEC) and supported by the WHO, to discuss the implications of AI on mental health. As AI increasingly interacts with people in vulnerable emotional states, the focus shifted to generative AI tools not designed for mental health support, particularly their risks for youth. Key recommendations emerged: recognizing generative AI as a public mental health concern; integrating mental health in impact assessments of AI; and co-designing AI tools with mental health experts and affected individuals. Participants emphasized the need for consumer empowerment and crisis referral systems. The workshop reinforced the role of WHO Collaborating Centres in promoting responsible AI in health through evidence-based guidance. Moving forward, the WHO aims to establish a global Consortium of Collaborating Centres to ensure ethical AI governance across diverse populations, enhancing health outcomes.
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