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As we approach the end of 2023, I would like to reflect on the remarkable strides we have made together in our shared mission to prevent suicide and suicidal behaviour globally. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has had a particularly impactful year, thanks to the dedication and collaboration of our global community.
We have had a very successful World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) campaign and have also released several Reach in Reach Out podcast episodes on a wide range of issues including decriminalisation of suicide with experts from all around the world. We organised the 32nd World Congress with over 780 delegates from more than 80 countries, contributed to several policy documents and strengthened global collaboration and coordination towards the development of national suicide prevention strategies within our Partnerships for Life programme. We have been energised by the progress we have made together, but we also acknowledge the work ahead. Suicide prevention is an ongoing journey, and our organisation remains committed to facing challenges through evidence-based actions and a shared commitment to saving lives. For this, we need your support.
To mark 20 years of WSPD, we are undertaking the ‘20 Days of Hope’ campaign to raise funds to support 20 more years of vital suicide prevention awareness. This has been a great opportunity for us to recognise the extent to which WSPD has grown since it was launched by our then President, Professor Diego De Leo, in 2003. Establishing WSPD has served as an important marker globally in the fight against suicide. The recent launch of our impact report gives a glimpse of the reach and engagement of the WSPD 2023 campaign. As an example, over 101 million people were reached through social media, and over 16 million were reached through non-social platforms. Our Cycle Around the Globe campaign was also a hit this year, with over 5,000 participants from over 45 countries coming together to log a phenomenal 275,335 kilometres – a distance equivalent to over 6 times around the globe! We hope you will consider a donation to IASP so that we can continue raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action.
Next year, we are looking forward to three major events on our calendar. The 2024 IASP Australasian Research Workshop, to be held in February in Auckland, New Zealand, has a fantastic line-up of experts and aims to develop collaborations and discuss the challenges faced in suicide prevention. Similarly, we are delighted to be hosting the 11th IASP Asia Pacific Conference from 3rd -6th June 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand; as a key regional forum to share expertise, knowledge, and insights among peers in suicide prevention. Lastly, the Pan American Conference will be held towards the end of 2024, to expand opportunities for shared learning in suicide prevention and enable IASP to continue servicing members and delegates in the Pan-American region.
Lastly, I want to thank each member, staff, and supporter who has contributed to the success of IASP over the past 12 months. Your dedication is the driving force behind our collective impact, and we are excited to continue our work together in the coming year.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and a new year filled with hope and resilience.
