International Congress

NZAPS-O Opportunities

As members of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), the New Zealand Association of Pharmaceutical Students – Otago (NZAPS-O) has the privilege of sending delegates to international congresses. Since becoming a member of IPSF in 2011, NZAPS-O has continuously embraced the opportunity to engage with the global pharmaceutical community and looks forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration.

What is IPSF?

Founded in 1949, IPSF is a global network of over 100 countries and 500,000 pharmaceutical students and recent graduates. The organisation’s mission is to empower its members with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to excel as health professionals. IPSF focuses on advocacy, public health, professional development, and pharmacy education.

IPSF enjoys strong partnerships with key global institutions such as the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, among others. These alliances amplify its impact on global health initiatives and policy development.

NZAPS-O’s Role within IPSF

NZAPS-O is a full member of IPSF, an honour granted to only one association per country. This membership provides NZAPS-O with voting rights at both the General Assembly and the Regional Assemblies of IPSF. As a member, NZAPS-O plays a crucial role in representing the voices and concerns of New Zealand pharmaceutical students, advocating for their needs on the international stage.

Through IPSF, NZAPS-O members also have the opportunity to apply for leadership positions within the Federation. Over the years, NZAPS-O has had a notable presence in IPSF, with members elected to various prominent roles, including:

Asia-Pacific Regional Office Chairperson
Internal Chairperson
Regional Secretary of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office
Secretary General

Despite being a relatively small association, NZAPS-O has made a significant impact on the international pharmaceutical community.

International Representation

As a full member of IPSF, NZAPS-O sends delegates to represent New Zealand at major international congresses. In 2024, NZAPS-O will send delegates to both the World Congress in South Korea and the Asia-Pacific Regional Symposia in Thailand. These congresses are vital platforms for sharing ideas, discussing global health issues, and building connections with pharmaceutical professionals from around the world.

Attending these congresses in person allows NZAPS-O to best represent the views and concerns of its members and the wider New Zealand community.

Collaboration with National Australian Pharmacy Student’s Association (NAPSA)

In addition to its IPSF involvement, NZAPS-O maintains a close relationship with the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA). This partnership, forged through historical and geographical ties, offers NZAPS-O members the opportunity to attend the NAPSA Congress. This event is a premier networking opportunity, enabling NZAPS-O members to forge valuable professional connections with Australian pharmacy students before graduation.

International Opportunities for NZAPS-O Members

Attending international congresses provides NZAPS-O members with unparalleled opportunities to gain knowledge, expand their professional networks, and develop crucial skills. These congresses are unique to the pharmacy degree, offering a chance to engage with the global pharmacy community.

Delegates not only attend expert-led symposiums and workshops, often featuring representatives from leading organizations like WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), but they also participate in professional development competitions. These competitions include Patient Counselling and Clinical Skills challenges, which provide valuable opportunities for skill-building and knowledge exchange.

Attending these events enables NZAPS-O delegates to learn from global experts, compete with their peers, and grow both professionally and personally. This exposure to diverse pharmacy practices and insights is invaluable, contributing to the overall growth and advancement of New Zealand’s future pharmacy leaders.