IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology 2023
The 8th IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology convened over 1,000 delegates from 54 countries, uniting scholars, practitioners, and students in a shared commitment to advancing well-being science. Hosted in Vancouver, Canada, the congress featured a rich program of plenaries, workshops, and networking events, all designed to foster collaboration and deepen understanding of positive psychology's global impact.
Vancouver, Canada
20-23 July, 2023
1,000+ delegates
Attracted over 1,500 attendees from more than 50 countries, reflecting the international appeal and relevance of positive psychology.
Program & Engagement
The congress offered a dynamic and diverse program, including:
Plenary Sessions:
“World Happiness Report 2023: Exploring the Positive Power of Resilience in Challenging Times.” Esteemed moderator Meike Bartels guided an engaging discussion featuring renowned experts in the field, including John Helliwell, Richard Layard, Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, and Lara Aknin. This captivating panel illuminated the vital role of positive psychology in fostering resilience and well-being on a global scale.
“Compassion: Neurobiology, Applications, and Global Implications.” Tania Singer discussed the neurobiology of empathy and compassion and its trainability; James Kirby summarised a “case for compassion terms of its psychosocial and therapeutic benefits”; and Mamphela Ramphele explored compassionate action to change structural systems that cause much preventable suffering.
“Youth Mental Health, Positive Psychology, and Climate Change: A Call to Action.” Leading voices in the fields of psychology, mental health, and climate change (Steve Leventhal, Susan Clayton, Jennifer Uchendu, Maria Sirois, and Michael Steger) came together for a provocative conversation on the challenges of ‘eco-anxiety’ and ‘ecological grief’ amongst youth, and the implications on definitions of ‘good’ mental health in the face of existential and far-reaching threat.
Workshops and Interactive Sessions: An immersive workshop “With Nature in Mind: The Role of Nature in Psychological Well-Being & Resiliency - an experiential exploration” led by Holli-Anne Passmore and Heidi Schreiber-Pan, provided valuable insights into the profound impact of nature on mental well-being and resilience.
Impact & Recognition
The congress drew over 1,000 participants from more than 50 countries, underscoring its global reach and the widespread interest in positive psychology. The event also received media attention that highlighted its role in advancing well-being science and practice worldwide.
Media Coverage
IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology: Uniting Global Leaders in Well-being and Resilience
