The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2023 Elections, scheduled to take place in Vienna during the General Assembly on 30th of September 2023 at the 23rd World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP23) in Vienna, Austria. The results from these elections will determine the successors for a number of positions on the WPA Executive Committee (EC) as well as for the 18 Zonal Representatives that will make up the WPA Board for the 2023-2026 triennium. Today, we are happy to be able to announce the list of candidates for the 2023 WPA Elections.
Election Process
The WPA 2023 Elections are held to select individuals who will occupy key positions within the organization, ensuring its effective functioning and continued growth. The candidates have undergone a thorough scrutiny and approval process by the Nominations Committee and the Executive Committee, guaranteeing their eligibility and qualifications for the positions they seek.
Candidates for the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee plays a vital role in shaping the direction of the WPA and spearheading its initiatives. If elected, these individuals will be responsible for driving strategic decision-making, promoting collaboration among psychiatric professionals worldwide, and advancing the goals of the organization. They will work collectively to enhance global mental health awareness and advocate for policies that ensure access to quality mental healthcare for all. The Executive Committee candidates bring diverse expertise and experiences that will contribute to the WPA's overall vision.
Candidates for Zonal Representatives
The Zonal Representatives serve as the voice of their respective regions within the WPA. They play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, representing the unique challenges and perspectives of their geographic areas, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices. Zonal Representatives work closely with their regional counterparts to identify and address mental health needs specific to their regions. They also play a pivotal role in promoting the WPA's initiatives and expanding its global reach.
Candidates’ Corner
To help in this process, we have set up a resource page to provide information on the 2023 WPA election process and showcase all candidates standing for election to the Executive Committee or as a Zonal Representative (Candidates’ Corner). The page includes the following information:
Election process
Timeline for the Election process
The letter which the President sent to Member Societies seeking nominations. This includes the relevant extracts from the Statutes and By-Laws, the general criteria for posts, the timetable
Guidelines for Nominees and Candidates
Job descriptions for each post
Candidates Corner - in this section each candidate has the opportunity to provide their CV, personal statement, a photo and a short video.
This page can be viewed here: https://www.wpanet.org/elecations-candidates-corner
The upcoming WPA 2023 Elections are poised to further shape the future of psychiatry by electing individuals who are committed to advancing the field and improving mental health services worldwide. The Executive Committee and Zonal Representatives will play vital roles in governance, advocacy, research, and collaboration within the WPA. With a shared vision of improving global mental health, these elected representatives will drive progress and strengthen the impact of the organization. The General Assembly in Vienna on 30th September promises to be a momentous occasion as the global psychiatric community comes together to elect leaders who will guide the WPA in the future.
Author: Afzal Javed, President, WPA