Editorial

Was it ever a revolution! It commenced with Junior who entertained us with his brilliant amazing break dancing. His dancing was transcendent of the effects of polio early in his life.

Our first keynote speaker, Prof Ana Malfitano drew us into a discussion of the need for ‘plural, situated perspectives that, at the same time, aim to strike, find, define, support, and produce knowledge in occupational therapy, so that, from there, actions can be directed towards social life’ (2022). Her presentation set the stage for many presentations and conversations about human rights, equity, social and occupational justice, and social inclusion. Four other keynotes speakers added to the diversity of sharing throughout the Congress. With 10 parallel sessions and workshops over four days, some 900 speakers took the opportunity to share their understanding on all aspects of occupational therapy. Seven hundred e-posters, Education Day and pre-congress workshops on the day before Congress added to the breadth of discussions. The congress ended with Priscille Deborah sharing her story of resilience and development of freedom to pursue her art and become an accomplished artist.

Colleagues and friends from over 100 countries were immersed in the buzz of learning and networking. For instance, Raji Roqeeb, a delegate from Nigeria noted, ‘I was so pleased to be able to talk with professors about my ambitions for my PhD research.’

Sustainability featured high on the WFOT agenda for the Council Meeting and Congress. As stated in the Congress abstract book, WFOT recognises occupational participation occurs within the environmental context. There is a need to protect the environment to promote contexts which nurture human participation and health for the sake of the health and well being of current and future generations. Actions to address the commitment to sustainability by WFOT Executive and Council included:

• Shortening the length of the Council Meeting and Executive Management Team Meeting each by one day

• Initiating plans for the Executive Management Team to meet virtually instead of holding an interim meeting in 2023

• Relying on paperless reports at meetings

• Providing free tickets for use of public transit within Paris

• Providing the opportunity to attend the Congress virtually to avoid travel

• Providing on-demand virtual access to sessions post-Congress

• Donation of leftover food from the Congress to a charitable organisation

• Eliminating use of plastic cutlery

• Providing water stations and recycling bins

• Reducing electrical use such as not cooling drinking water dispensers

• Providing the Congress APP for virtual access to Congress materials

• Eliminating the use of plastic pocket nametags

The congress fulfilled the needs of so many participants to frame our role in the face of the multiple challenges we face – climate change, inequality, massive displacement and global pandemic.