As the IAAP Congress draws to a close today, after five full days of rich, stimulating, and moving presentations, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to such a remarkable gathering. The quality of the papers, the thoughtfulness of the discussions, and the generosity of spirit that infused the atmosphere made this a truly memorable event.
I am especially grateful to all of you who took the time to come and introduce yourselves to me as the editor of the Jungian.Directory. Your kind words of encouragement about our work mean more than I can easily say. Both personally and on behalf of Buranee and Kerry, please accept my warm thanks for the support and collegiality you have shown.
At the closing ceremony, we had the great privilege of welcoming more than 74 new individual members into the IAAP—an extraordinary milestone. This is in addition to the more than 450 analysts who have qualified over the past three years. These figures are a testament to the vitality and resilience of our international community and a reminder of the importance of our shared work at a global level.
We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the host city of Zurich and the local organizing team, who under the inspired leadership of Andreas Michel opened both their hearts and their home city to us. Their hospitality and care made the entire week flow with warmth and ease.
The Congress was more than its academic program, excellent though that was. The evenings were filled with joy, music, and connection. The Members’ Gala, once again brilliantly organized by Mark Winborn, was a highlight—an evening of laughter and talent that reflected the creative heart of our association.
As many of you now begin your journeys home—to Australia, South America, the United States and Canada, across Western and Eastern Europe, to Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, to China, Taiwan, Japan, India, and beyond—I wish you safe travels. For my part, I will be heading back to Thailand, carrying with me the warmth and inspiration of this week.
This Congress has been a living demonstration of the vitality of analytical psychology today. I will be preparing a fuller report for next week’s newsletter, but for now, let me simply say: thank you for a week of collegiality, generosity, and love.
With warm regards and thanks, Stephen.