top of page

26th World Congress of Psychiatry in Stockholm, Sweden

23–26 September 2026 | Stockholm, Sweden - Stockholmsmässan (Älvsjö)

Dear Colleagues and Friends, together with our member society, the Swedish Psychiatric Association, the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is delighted to invite you to the 26th WPA World Congress of Psychiatry, taking place in the stunning city of Stockholm, Sweden, from 23–26 September 2026.


Professor Danuta Wasserman


President, World Psychiatric Association.

Danuta Wasserman

Our theme for this congress – “Guided by Compassion, Grounded in Science: Psychiatry for Our Time” – speaks to the heart of modern psychiatric practice. In a world marked by rapid change, complex crises, and evolving expectations of care, psychiatry must be both scientifically robust and deeply human. This Congress will explore how we, as mental health professionals, can respond with empathy, uphold ethical standards, and innovate responsibly to meet the needs of our time.


WCP 2026 will offer a powerful platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration. The WPA 2023–2026 Action Plan will continue to guide our efforts as we advance critical priorities in research, prevention, education, and global cooperation.


Our scientific programme will once again feature the popular Specialist Corner, where leading experts will engage in focused discussions on key topics including psychotic disorders, affective disorders, trauma, substance use, neurodevelopmental conditions, and digital mental health.


The promotion of healthy lifestyles remains central to our agenda, with a continued emphasis on physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and holistic well-being. Our focus on young people will be especially strong, as we address the mental health challenges faced by adolescents in an increasingly digital and demanding world.


Our research initiatives will expand, examining the real-world impact of lifestyle interventions and pursuing international collaborations on pressing concerns like suicide prevention and emergency mental health response.


Importantly, collaboration remains at the core of our mission. Through the WPA’s Advisory Committee on Response to Emergencies (ACRE) and partnerships with psychiatric associations and mental health stakeholders around the globe, we will continue working toward a healthier, more resilient future.


We invite you to join us in Stockholm for what promises to be a transformative experience – one where science meets compassion, ideas spark action, and lasting connections are made.


We look forward to welcoming you in September 2026!


Warm regards,


Professor Danuta Wasserman

President, World Psychiatric Association


26th World Congress of Psychiatry

What makes WCP different?


The WPA World Congress of Psychiatry (WCP) is designed as a truly global meeting point for psychiatry. Unlike many major conferences that are primarily shaped by a single national association or college, WCP is accountable to the World Psychiatric Association’s worldwide membership and its principles of equality, inclusion, development and transcultural perspectives. This makes the program unusually broad and inclusive - bringing together clinicians, researchers, educators, service leaders, early career psychiatrists and partner organisations across regions and disciplines.


Upcoming Deadlines


  • 2 June 2026: Early Registration Savings Deadline

  • 13 July 2026: Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Deadline


Program and registration links



Selected program highlights by day


Wednesday, 23 September – Opening Day


Opening Ceremony and the first plenary place the congress theme in a global context (SDGs and the EDIT principles). The afternoon features high-impact presidential sessions and panels, including physical activity and mental health, precision psychiatry and youth suicide prevention. The day also includes a session on managing psychiatric services in times of war and a distinguished lecture exploring culture and identity.


Thursday, 24 September – Science, Systems and Clinical Breadth


A full day spanning public mental health systems, child and adolescent psychiatry, addiction and behavioural disorders, and education in psychiatry. Key plenaries include mental health as an economic case and long-term well-being, complemented by high-profile lectures on genetics and planetary change, plus strong free-communications and interactive formats.


Friday, 25 September – Contemporary Challenges, Debates and Innovation


Focused sessions on evidence-based practice (including ECT), human rights and ethics, climate-related stressors, and service delivery in complex settings. Digital psychiatry and AI are prominent, alongside women’s mental health across the life course and peripartum mental health. Early Career and interactive elements continue, including the WPA Three-Minute Competition and difficult case discussions.


Saturday, 26 September – Closing Day and Future Directions


A forward-looking final day with a major plenary on addiction science and sessions on compassion, education and scientific publishing, paired with interactive highlights and closing perspectives on global collaboration. □

bottom of page