Armed conflicts are at a post-1946 high, compounded by unprecedented climate crises. For the nearly two billion people living in fragile regions, the result is mass trauma—an invisible barrier that stalls development, suppresses productivity, and traps generations in poverty. In conflict-affected settings, the toll of trauma on young people is not only a public health crisis but also an economic one.
This session explored the “trauma tax”—the hidden economic cost of untreated trauma among youth in high-conflict countries—and the urgent need to integrate mental health healing into development strategies. Through an evidence-based discussion, leaders on the front lines shared how trauma-informed approaches can break cycles of economic exclusion and mental health crises. Participants left with insights on how policymakers, donors, and development practitioners can embed trauma recovery into economic development programs—transforming healing from a humanitarian imperative into a driver of sustainable growth.
Moderator:
Apoorva Mandavilli, Science & Global Health Reporter, New York Times
Panelists:
Mohamed Ali Diini, Founder, Iftin Global
Dr. Comfort Ero, President & CEO, International Crisis Group
Dr. Saida Abdi, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School
of Social Work
