Successfully Held in Indonesia, Hundreds of Participants from 30 Countries Attend and Enliven the 68th IPSF World Congress

Kapanlagi.com - When talking about leading international advocacy organizations in the world, the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) is one that cannot be overlooked. The organization, which was established in 1949 by eight pharmaceutical student associations in London, England, is highly respected in global education. Until now, IPSF, currently chaired by Immanuel Giustino, has represented more than 500,000 pharmaceutical and pharmacy students in over 100 countries worldwide.

This organization plays a very important role, one of which is organizing the annual international pharmaceutical student congress or IPSF World Congress. Interestingly, in 2023, the Association of Pharmacy Students (HMF) Ars Praeparandi ITB successfully brought Bali as the host of the 68th IPSF World Congress, which took place from August 1-14, 2023, at the International Conference Center Bali (ICCB), Kuta - Badung. In the implementation of the World Congress 2023, HMF 'AP' ITB also collaborated with HIMAFARMA Udayana.

An Event Attended by Delegates from Various Countries

Shafanisa Fadhila, the Vice Chairperson of the 68th IPSF World Congress, said that this congress is an annual routine event attended by IPSF delegates from various countries. Dhila, as she is familiarly called, explained that IPSF is divided into five regional existence groups, namely the African Regional Office (AfRO), Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), European Regional Office (EuRO), and Pan American Regional Office (PARO).

From these five groups, there are approximately 160 participants who are delegates from 30 countries around the world attending the 68th IPSF World Congress, such as Indonesia, Austria, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, PSA Taiwan, Tunisia, England, Algeria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Ghana, Iran, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Slovenia, Thailand, Turkey, USA, and Ireland.

"Delegates from each campus are different. Some have only one or two, while others have up to 20 people." From Indonesia, there is ISMAFARSI (Indonesian Association of Pharmacy Students), then HMF 'AP' ITB, BEM FF UI, BEM KMFA UGM, BEMF USD, and BEM FF UNAIR," said Dhila during a conversation with the Liputan6.com team on Tuesday (8/8).

Raise the Theme Envision the Evolution of Life's Quality as Forthcoming Pharmacists

The existence of IPSF is not only to promote the exchange of ideas and thoughts in the field of health among international pharmacy students. However, the purpose and objectives of this organization are also to encourage the formation and development of pharmacy organizations and education, by addressing issues in pharmacy education and workforce development.

By raising the theme Envision the Evolution of Life's Quality as Forthcoming Pharmacists this year, the 68th IPSF World Congress hopes that the participants attending this congress can utilize current technology and continue to develop according to the times.

"Therefore, at the 68th IPSF World Congress, there are several events carried out by the participants, such as scientific symposiums, workshops, training programs, and competitions," said Dhila.

Series of Programs at the 68th IPSF World Congress

In the workshop 'Problem Solving and Thinking Tools', for example, speakers from the Director of Professional Development Department, Salma Yasyifa, who also interned at Paragon Technology And Innovation, and recipient of the Wardah Scholarship Program were invited. In this 68th IPSF World Congress, Paragon Corp is the main sponsor.

In addition, there is also an Aromatherapy for Daily Stress Management Workshop, Improving Health in Pharmaceutical Care & Well-being for Gen Z Symposium, and an international scale Clinical Skill Event (CSE) competition. Well, in addition to deepening pharmaceutical knowledge and a number of competitions that hone pharmacy skills, the 68th IPSF World Congress also introduces Indonesian culture.

"We have several social events such as Indonesian Night, International Night, Talent Show, and Gala Night. In Indonesian Night, for example, we introduce Indonesian culture, from food to dances," said Dhila.

Bali Governor Attends and Provides Strong Support

This international congress is also attended by several local figures who have important influence, one of whom is Bali Governor Wayan Koster. Wayan's presence not only supports organized pharmacy education on a regional and international scale.

In addition, Wayan also strives to introduce Usada Bali as a strength of Bali's traditional medicine system sourced from nature. Wayan introduces Usada Bali to the international world as one of the choices for healthy, natural, and sustainable treatments.

"I think in the future, the world will transform from conventional medicine to approaches that are sourced from nature, healthy, natural, and sustainable." this is a new pattern in the life of world society. I am present specifically because I am happy that the attendees are students. Bali was chosen as a very important event, so I am proud and honored by the presence of the participants," said Wayan in his speech on Sunday (6/8).

International Conference Center Bali Chosen as the Venue for the Congress

International Conference Center Bali (ICCB) is a modern conference center that is the perfect place to hold various events, one of which is the 68th IPSF World Congress. Dhila said that ICCB was chosen as the venue for the 68th IPSF World Congress because of its strategic location.

"ICCB is close to two hotels, so we don't have difficulty finding accommodation for the committee and participants. We don't need to provide additional transportation because the distance from the hotel to ICCB can be reached on foot in less than five minutes. It is also located near the airport and Kuta Beach," said Dhila.

It should be noted that the Main Hall of ICCB has a large capacity and can even accommodate all IPSF participants and committees. In addition, ICCB also has three other rooms that can be used during the 68th IPSF World Congress, such as the Seed Room, Garden Room, and Green Room. Make it even more interesting, because this place is also located in the heart of Kuta city, you know. Not only that, the facilities at ICCB are considered good and clean, and have very friendly and helpful staff. If guests have sudden requests, they will be very adaptive and flexible. So, it's not wrong to choose ICBB as a place to hold various events, both local and international. (kpl/glo)