First meeting in Istanbul for the IPPA 2027 World Congress!

The first official introductory and coordination meeting was held for the 10th International Positive Psychology World Congress (IPPA World Congress 2027), which will be organized by the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) in Istanbul from July 7-10, 2027. Üsküdar University, the Premier Sponsor of the Congress, participated in the meeting with its academic staff. The congress, which will be held under the theme “Where Cultures Meet, Humanity Flourishes,” will be the first World Congress in IPPA's history to be held outside North America and Australia. 

The International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA) is preparing to bring together scientists, researchers, mental health professionals, and practitioners working in the field of positive psychology from around the world in Istanbul in 2027.

The first official introductory and coordination meeting was held for the 10th International Positive Psychology World Congress (IPPA World Congress 2027), to be held at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Centre from July 7-10, 2027.

Attending the meeting were IPPA President Dr. Tayyab Rashid; President of Üsküdar University and Chairman of the Board of Governors Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, representing Üsküdar University, the Premier Sponsor of the Congress; Vice Rector Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel; Positive Psychology Coordinator and Asst. Prof. Fatma Turan from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology; and Asst. Prof. Ebru Morgül Memon from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology (English).

Representing İbn Haldun University were İbn Haldun University Vice Rector Prof. Özcan Erkan Akgün, and İbn Haldun University REDAM (Rehabilitation and Education Center) Coordinator, Clinical Psychologist Mehmet Büyükçorak. Burkon Founder Hasan Eker also participated in discussions regarding the organization process.

The scientific vision and roadmap of the congress were discussed

During the meeting, many topics were evaluated, from the scientific vision of the congress to international academic collaborations, and from the organization process to the preparations for the congress to be hosted by Türkiye.

At the meeting, which was attended by stakeholders from various universities and institutions worldwide, views were exchanged regarding the creation of the congress's scientific content, the involvement of researchers from different disciplines, and the strengthening of international academic networks.

During the meeting, where attention was drawn to the growing impact of positive psychology not only in individual well-being but also in very different fields such as education, health, psychological resilience, leadership, organizational psychology, and community mental health, it was emphasized that interdisciplinary studies should be one of the fundamental elements of the congress.

The main theme of the congress is “Where Cultures Meet, Humanity Flourishes”

The main theme of the 10th International Positive Psychology World Congress has been determined as “Where Cultures Meet, Humanity Flourishes.”

With Istanbul's structure, which has brought together different cultures, geographies, and intellectual traditions for centuries, it is expected to provide a strong foundation for the main theme of the congress.

At the congress, academics, researchers, mental health professionals, and practitioners from different countries around the world will share current scientific research, application models, and new approaches in the field of positive psychology.

A first in IPPA history

The IPPA 2027 World Congress will also be an important milestone in the association's history.

The congress holds the distinction of being the first World Congress to be held outside North America and Australia since the establishment of the International Positive Psychology Association.

In this respect, Istanbul will not only host the international positive psychology community; but will also be an important meeting point for the global visibility of Türkiye's academic accumulation in the fields of psychology and behavioral sciences.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Positive psychology is the science of global well-being”

President of Üsküdar University and Chairman of the Board of Governors Prof. Nevzat Tarhan drew attention to the importance of positive psychology for individual and societal well-being. Tarhan emphasized that it is extremely valuable for scientific studies in positive psychology to reach wider audiences worldwide from Istanbul; “As you know, positive psychology is the science of global well-being. It is very valuable for the science of global well-being to reach wider audiences worldwide from Istanbul. For this reason, I thank Dr. Tayyab, who pioneered in positive psychology, once again in your presence.” he said.

Tarhan also underlined that there are three epidemics in the world; "Today, there are three epidemics in the world: addiction, suicides, and narcissism. The whole world needs positive psychology against these three epidemics. Our culture is very well-positioned against these three epidemics, and we will be able to synthesize this at our congress." he stated.

Will contribute to Türkiye's scientific visibility

At the meeting, it was stated that organizing the congress in Türkiye would create a significant opportunity for the development of the field of positive psychology, as well as for increasing Türkiye's international scientific visibility, establishing new academic collaborations, and developing sustainable scientific networks among researchers from different countries.

The participants reached a consensus that preparatory work for the successful realization of the IPPA 2027 World Congress should be continued with a common vision and strong international cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, institutions and stakeholders contributing to the realization of the congress were thanked, and the support and leadership demonstrated by IPPA President Dr. Tayyab Rashid throughout the process of holding the congress in Istanbul were especially highlighted.

The 10th International Positive Psychology World Congress, with Üsküdar University as its Premier Sponsor, will be held in Istanbul from July 7-10, 2027.