The Virtual Exchange Program on Mental Health Education, Care Setting, and Aggression Management brought together participants from the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, the School of Nursing, University of Jordan, and the Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. The primary objective of this program was to foster an understanding of the diverse cultural and mental healthcare perspectives in Oman, Jordan, and India.

The opening session focused on the mental health care perspectives, prevalence, training settings, cultural aspects, and stigma across the respective country. The faculty from each country presented their perspectives, followed by a discussion among students from all three countries regarding the perception of stigma, cultural aspects, and aggression management in mental health settings in their country. There was also a virtual simulation session on aggression management by the faculty and students of SQU, Oman. Students from all three universities actively participated in the debriefing session related to the simulation. Feedback was taken from both the faculty and students. The overall programme was coordinated by Dr Blessy Prabha Valsaraj, Assistant Professor, SQU, Oman, Dr Binil V, Additional Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, MCON, MAHE, India, and Dr Letefa Ali Dardas, Vice Dean, The University of Jordan School of Nursing.

The program successfully provided a platform for the faculty and students of all three universities to share their experiences and perspectives, enriching their understanding of global mental health care challenges and solutions. It laid the foundation for future collaborations among the three institutions to advance mental health education and care, ensuring culturally inclusive and effective practices. The overall program aligns closely with SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 10.