Tuesday, 19 September 2023 IASP CONGRESS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN

On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Congress of the World Alliance for Suicide Prevention (IASP), which this year is organised by the University of Primorska - UP IAM, Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research, officially opened. The acquisition of the organisation is an honour and a recognition of the work of the Centre so far. 

The main theme of this year's congress, hosted by the UP IAM SCRS, is "The Power of Togetherness". The IASP Congress is a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral event that provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge and local, national and international strategies for suicide prevention. The Congress will bring together renowned experts in the field of suicide research and prevention, as well as other individuals with their own experience of suicidal behaviour or who have lost a loved one to suicide, and all those actively working in the field of suicide prevention.

The Congress, which is held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, was opened by Dr Rory O'Connor, President of IASP, who emphasised the importance of the Congress for the European and international professional community. The opening ceremony was also addressed by the Rector of UP, representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Municipality of Piran, WHO, the American Association of Suicidiology. The closing address by Dr. Diego De Leo, who welcomed the participants on behalf of the Slovenian Centre for Suicide Research, emphasised the importance of research and study of both suicide and the creation of new forms of help, support and improvement of mental health.

The Congress was attended by over 700 participants from more than 80 countries, mainly from Australia, India, the USA, the UK, India, Morocco and Pakistan, and of course Slovenia. The congress, which runs until Friday, will address the broadest topics in the study and prevention of suicide, and will conclude on Saturday, 23 September, with a Day of Connecting, dedicated to the local community, as it is the translation of knowledge into practice that can help prevent death by suicide and help in cases of bereavement, helping loved ones and all those affected. The event is free of charge.