Registrations open to attend United Nations Psychology Day

BPS member and Associate Professor at University of Salford, Dr Sharon Coen is the Co-chair for this year's Psychology Day. We asked her how she got involved with the event and what delegates can learn from, and look forward to, at this year's Psychology Day.

The 18^th Annual Psychology Day at the United Nations will take place on Thursday 24 April, 4pm – 7pm. The event is free to attend and you can book your ticket here.

How did you get involved with this year's Psychology Day?

I attended the 2024 Psychology Day, and I loved the spirit, hopefulness and determination of the speakers. I wanted to be part of a movement for change that could reach people who are in the position of making a difference. So, I applied to be this years' co-chair!

What can people expect from this year's event?

This year, we have decided to focus on 'global resilience'. We assembled four global experts who will present their work and provide insights on how psychology can help create societies that are equipped to face modern challenges: from climate to AI and technology, to conflict and inequality.

We have an expert in resilience who will help us bring together ideas to create a vision of psychological contributions to global resilience. We have also assembled a series of video testimonies with graduates and colleagues from all over the world, talking about resilience and what they think the role of the UN can be in achieving it. The general public will be able to get insights on how psychology can help them hold institutions accountable for their role in fostering or hindering resilient societies.

What aspects of Psychology Day are you most looking forward to?

This is a difficult moment globally, and psychology can really make a difference in supporting efforts to guarantee we overcome current challenges and contribute to the development of a resilient, fair and equitable future for all. 

For psychologists, this event is a response to the call by Nadal who indicated the need for more opportunities for psychologists to become active players in society. With speakers from four continents, with diverse backgrounds and different expertise, the event will add plenty of 'tools' that psychologist-activists can use globally. 

If you work at an NGO (non-governmental organisation), you'll be able to identify ways that psychologists can support your cause, and gain insights into how they fit into contributing to the development of resilient communities.