Reflections of the Dubai 2022 Congress 
Written by Jasmin Kooverjee (SA-ACAPAP President Elect)

"With the year 2022 coming to a close; SA-ACAPAP was privileged enough to be part of and be represented at the IACAPAP conference that was held in Dubai - "Child & Adolescent Mental Health - Shaping the Future (5th - 9th December 2022)". Our representation at the conference was one of engaging, not just with  the International Association but with the Child & Adolescent Organisations around the world.

The conference opened with an amazing showcase of the talents of the youth in Dubai which left the attendees inspired by what children and youth could do. It was over these days, we were left in awe at not only what services and research were available for the children and adolescents in the UAE  but in the world itself. We were treated to some of the world's greatest experts that took us through groundbreaking research and experience in their field. Professionals from all over the world shared their knowledge and their skills that one would no doubt benefit using in South Africa. At times, just to hear a concept was possible in another part of the world made us hopeful of the possibilities of what we could do in South Africa. We were disappointed that our colleagues from some of the African Countries were denied visas to the UAE which resulted in them not being able to showcase their work within the African continent. We however acknowledge the efforts made by the IACAPAP  President and the Congress organisers and their teams to attempt to still include our colleagues in this vital congress.

Listening to the research being presented, inspired many to consider their own research journeys. Being a member of SA-ACAPAP meant that these budding researchers were eligible to apply for the The Donald Cohen Fellowship & Helmut Remschmidt Research Programmes. SA-ACAPAP is proud to note that some of our members are already part of those programmes, not just as researchers but as mentors as well.

Being part of SA-ACAPAP meant we played a vital role in having a say of who the IACAPAP exco members would consist of as well as various other decisions that needed to be made within the Association. As we bid farewell to the residing  IACAPAP President, Prof Fung,  we voted in the new President Prof Luis Augusto Rohde. 

Experiencing the congress as a SA-ACAPAP member truly emphasised the benefits of being within the SA Association as it allowed us the benefits of the congress, the research, the knowledge and the networking. I look forward to using the knowledge gained to enhance the growth and development within Child and adolescence in the South African Context.

Wishing everyone the best and hope to see all our colleagues from all over the world at the 2024 Brazil Congress as well as the Local South African Congresses due to happen soon.