Meet the WPA Leaders
Meet the WPA Leaders
We are delighted to share with you our “Meet the Leaders” film series where we have been interviewing the members of the current World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Executive Committee (EC) as well as past WPA Presidents.
In this series of interviews, each member has shared not only a summary of their valuable contributions to the association and the field of mental health in general over the years, but also their insightful views on the contributions made by WPA and it member associations.
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Over the next couple of months, we will be releasing an interview each week, gradually working through each EC member and past president. Work is still continuing in the background and following this series, we will also be interviewing WPA Zonal Representatives and Action Plan Working Group Chairs.
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Make sure you don't miss an interview by regularly visiting this page or by subscribing to our YouTube channel or other social media channels.
Current Executive Committee Members (2020-2023)
Professor Afzal Javed - President, WPA
Professor Afzal Javed was appointed President-Elect at the 2017 World Congress of Psychiatry in Berlin. In 2020, he assumed the role of President and launched the 2020-2023 Action Plan.
Professor Petr Morozov - Former Secretary General, WPA
(This was recorded prior to the passing of the late Professor Morozov)
As the Secretary General, Prof. Morozov ensures that the Secretariat properly supports the work of the WPA and EC. He acts as liaison between the WPA Board and Committees, and ensures members are kept informed of any discussions and decisions.
Professor Roger Ng - Secretary Education and Interim Secretary General, WPA
The Secretary for Education coordinates the educational activities of the WPA and works with WPA zonal representatives, members and the Secretaries of Sections and Meetings to ensure relevant distribution and access to educational programs.
Professor Michel Botbol - Secretary Publications, WPA
The Secretary of Publications is responsible for implementing the editorial policies of the WPA and maintains oversight of its publications. He is a member of any publication committee appointed by the WPA Executive Committee.
Professor Edmond H. Pi - Secretary Meetings, WPA
The Secretary for Meetings oversees the coordination of all official scientific meetings of the WPA. He is responsible for WPA World Congresses of Psychiatry and assists in all other scientific meetings work.
Professor Danuta Wasserman, President Elect, WPA
The President-Elect's role is to support the work of the President and to fill-in or represent him when he is absent or if he is unable to fulfil his duties. The President-Elect, also chairs the WPA Standing Committee on Planning. Danuta will become President in 2020.
Professor Thomas G. Schulze, Secretary for Scientific Sections, WPA
The Secretary of Scientific Sections coordinates the Scientific Sections and is responsible for implementing any policies as related to their work. He serves as an advisor to the Sections and facilitates intersectional collaboration.
Professor Paul Summergrad, Secretary for Finances, WPA
The Secretary for Finances is responsible for all policies related to finances, investments, fundraising, auditing of the accounts, contracts as well as for the prudent expenditure of the WPA funds. He works with the WPA Board to set yearly budgets.
Professor Jorge Alberto Costa e Silva, Former WPA President and Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Jorge A. Costa e Silva was President of the WPA from 1989 to 1992 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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Professor Ahmed Okasha, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Ahmed Okasha was President of the WPA from 2002-2005 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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Professor Norman Sartorius, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Norman Sartorius was President of the WPA from1996-1999 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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Professor Juan Mezzich, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Juan Mezzich was President of the WPA from 2005-2008 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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Professor Mario Maj, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Mario Maj was President of the WPA from 2008-2011 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. Prof. Mario Maj also founded and continues to edit the official WPA journal, World Psychiatry. The journal is ranked number 1 in the category of psychiatry and has an impact factor* of 79.683. You can find current copies of the journal in a number of languages here. As a member of the council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
Professor Dinesh Bhugra, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Dinesh Bhugra was President of the WPA from 2014-2016 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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Professor Helen Herrman, Former WPA President & Current Council Member, WPA
Prof. Helen Herrman was President of the WPA from 2017-2020 and has been part of the WPA Council ever since. The council offers recommendations and advice to the WPA executive committee about any matters affecting the mission and strategy of the WPA.
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