World Psychiatric Association Announces 2026 Election Results and New Leadership

Following a successful General Assembly held during the World Psychiatric Association’s 26th World Congress of Psychiatry in Stockholm, WPA has officially announced the results of its 2026 elections, revealing the new leadership that will guide the global psychiatric community over the next triennium. The elections brought together WPA member societies from around the world to select representatives for the organisation’s Executive Committee and Zonal Boards. The General Assembly also marked the start of the new presidential term for Prof. Thomas G. Schulze, who takes on the role of WPA President after serving as President-Elect during the preceding triennium.

WPA President for the 2026–2029 Triennium

Prof. Thomas G. Schulze serves as WPA President for the 2026–2029 triennium, following his term as President-Elect during the preceding triennium.

Results of Elections for Executive Committee positions

President-Elect: Prof. Roger Man Kin Ng
Secretary General: Dr. Radwa Said Abdelazim Elfeqi
Secretary for Finances and Fundraising: Dr. Thelma Sanchez-Villanueva

Results of Elections for all Board (Zonal Representative) positions

Zone 1, Canada : Gary Chaimowitz
Zone 2, United States : Rick Peter Fritz Wolthusen
Zone 3, Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean : Roxanna Ruiz Cabarrus
Zone 4, South America – Northern Zone : Carlos Alberto Lopez Jaramillo
Zone 5, South America – Southern Zone : Manuel Vilapriño
Zone 6, Western Europe : Johannes Wancata
Zone 7, Northern Europe : Maria Larsson
Zone 8, Southern Europe : Evangelia Tsapakis
Zone 9, Central Europe : Irina Pinchuk
Zone 10, Eastern Europe : Nikolay Negay
Zone 11, Northern Africa : Gihan Elnahas
Zone 12, Middle East & Central and Western Asia : Feras Al-Awad
Zone 13, Central & Western Africa : Delali Fiagbe
Zone 14, Eastern & Southern Africa : Linda Nyamute
Zone 15, South Asia : Mrugesh Vaishnav
Zone 16, Southeast Asia : Chawanun Charnsil
Zone 17, Eastern Asia : Shih-Ku Lin
Zone 18, Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific : Valsamma Eapen

The World Psychiatric Association extends its appreciation to all candidates who participated in the elections and to its member societies for their active engagement in the voting process. These elections mark another step forward in the organisation’s mission to provide leadership and resources for psychiatrists and mental health professionals worldwide.

The newly elected Executive Committee members and Zonal Representatives will work alongside WPA President Prof. Thomas G. Schulze throughout the 2026–2029 triennium, advancing the organisation’s work in mental health research, education, advocacy and professional collaboration worldwide.

The WPA congratulates all those elected and looks forward to continuing its work with member societies and psychiatric professionals around the world to advance mental health as a global priority.