16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists in collaboration with the 48th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress and Expo
June 18 (Wed) - 21 (Sat), 2014 Yokohama, Japan
INVITATION
Message from the WFOT President
- E. Sharon Brintnell
President, WFOT
It is time to start planning for 2014. With the Chilean Congress still fresh in our collective memories, I invite all occupational therapy colleagues to attend the 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), in collaboration with the 48th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress and Expo, in Yokohama Japan, 18 to 21 June 2014.
The theme of the Congress 'Sharing Traditions, Creating Futures' is intended to inspire thoughtful stimulating discussion, to share global perspectives and to debate the exciting future prospects of our profession. The universe of occupational therapy has common values but they are enacted through many approaches, which reinforce the richness of the profession's diversity. The 2014 Congress builds on the successful tradition of previous WFOT Congresses and on the WFOT's commitment to professional knowledge transfer through bilingual congresses. This is another unique opportunity for members of the profession. Japanese and non Japanese speakers will interact in forums designed to facilitate exchange and expand their respective knowledge of the other's occupational therapy developments in education, practice and research. The influences of different perspectives and culture are never more powerful than in the lived experience of a WFOT Congress. Gaining access to world professional advancements through presentations, posters and discussion forums opens up an exciting body of knowledge frequently locked away in publications that are not always translated into other languages. I encourage all of you to plan your participation in another stimulating WFOT Congress; this time in collaboration with our Japanese colleagues.
The Congress is a highlight of WFOT's activities every four years. The WFOT's organisational business is conducted in meetings of its Executive Management Team and Council prior to the Congress. Reports on these meetings and of interim meetings between Congresses will highlight the WFOT's representation of the profession to other professions, governments and international organisations like the United Nations, the World Bank and of course the World Health Organisation.
The Federation is both a dynamic and responsive organisation to the profession's needs internationally whilst growing its capacity to be an initiator and leader in global health issues. Limited by its resources to meeting every two years, the WFOT Council bears enormous responsibility to set the policies and directions for the Federation's future and its organisational agenda for the next two years. These meetings ensure that the work of WFOT, including strategic planning, governance and ongoing global professional development continues in an effective and efficient manner.
Watch the website for progress reports on the Congress. The Federation looks forward to meeting you in Yokohama, Japan, June 2014.
Message from the WFOT2014 President
- Haruki Nakamura
President, JAOT
I am honoured to have this opportunity to serve as president of the 14th International Congress of World Federation of Occupational Therapists which will be held in collaboration with the 48th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress and Expo (called WFOT2014). I will do my very best to ensure that the congress is a success.
All of the members of the JAOT are extremely honoured that the WFOT2014 will be held in Japan from June 18-21, 2014. Being the very first time that the congress is held in Asia, it would be, I believe, the best occasion for us to keep in contact with other Asian nations and make this a congress at which participants can experience Asia's amazing culture.
It has been decided that the themes of the congress are to be "Sharing Traditions, Creating Futures." I hope that we will be able to share information among all of the participants from each country and move forward with discussions for the further development of occupational therapy in the world.
We have already started the first step for the installation of WFOT2014.
With the participation of executives of WFOT, we had the first meeting of Team Japan in February 2011. We are very enthusiastic about the congress in 2014, and we look forward to welcoming many participants to the congress in Yokohama in 2014.
Message from Co-Convenors
- Hiroshi Yamane
Vice President, JAOT
- Marilyn Pattison
Executive Director, WFOT
As Co-Convenors, we are delighted to welcome you to the premier event on the international 2014 occupational therapy calendar, the 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, in collaboration with the 48th Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress and Expo, in Yokohama Japan, June 18 - 21, 2014.
As the theme, 'Sharing Traditions, Creating Futures' suggests this conference will encourage us all to reach outside of our own spheres of practice to examine what is driving the future of healthcare internationally and how occupational therapists must take their rightful place within this vision of the future. Occupational therapy is a dynamic and vibrant profession and through ongoing professional development we can ensure that occupational therapists have an influence on the decisions made by decision makers regarding occupational therapy, in health issues, research issues, practice and availability.
WFOT 2014 is set to deliver an outstanding programme of forums, presentations, displays and workshops that is sure to enhance and enrich your understanding of occupational therapy as it is practiced around the world.
In addition to the extensive scientific programme, the Congress has been designed to allow you to get to know occupational therapists from around the globe, and we encourage you to participate in the many social events and networking functions which will be held throughout the week.
Occupational therapists from across Japan are looking forward to introducing our international delegates to the best that our beautiful country has to offer during your stay.
We would like to send special thanks to the many individuals that have dedicated their skill and time (many in a voluntary capacity) to ensuring the success of the 2014 WFOT Congress.
Finally, we thank you for your support of this important event, and we know that you will leave Yokohama having gained a wealth of new ideas, new perspectives, and new friends.
