The Standing Committee on Capacity Building supports the development and strengthening of psychological organisations, structures and networks across countries and regions. Its work is guided by the IUPsyS mission and strategic priorities and focuses particularly on strengthening the capacity of National and Regional Members to represent and advance psychology within their respective contexts.
Chair: Ava D. Thompson, Secretary-General
Members: Luis Carrizo; Prakash Padakannaya; Andrew Zamani
Regional Member Representatives: Elizabeth Nair, ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies (ARUPS); Maria Elena Humphrey, Unión Centroamericana y del Caribe de Psicología (UCCAP)
Terms Of Reference
Click here for the Terms of Reference
Recent Achievements: 2024–2026
During the 2024–2026 biennium, the Committee continued to strengthen engagement with Regional Members while further developing the Union’s approach to organisational capacity building. Its work increasingly focused on ensuring that regional engagement reflects the priorities, capacities and institutional contexts of different psychological organisations.
Key activities included:
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Continued mapping and consultation with Regional Members and development of Regional Membership Guidelines to clarify roles, responsibilities and relationships with IUPsyS.
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Regular virtual and in-person engagement with regional leadership.
- Strengthening opportunities for Regional Members to participate in IUPsyS programmes, events and international forums.
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Continued work on strengthening psychological organisations’ capacity to respond to crises, disaster, migration, violence and other regional and global challenges.
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Participation in the Pan African Psychology Union (PAPU) 10th Anniversary Congress in Johannesburg in October 2024, including engagement with PAPU leadership and participation in its Fourth Assembly.
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Continued regional dialogue and leadership engagement across IUPsyS Regional Members and partner organisations.
- Presentation and consultation on the proposed Regional Membership Guidelines, including engagement with the Asia Pacific Psychology Alliance.
Continuing Priorities
The Committee’s continuing priorities include finalising and implementing the Regional Membership Guidelines, maintaining structured engagement with each Regional Member, strengthening Regional Member participation in IUPsyS activities, supporting implementation of regional initiatives, and developing a coherent framework documenting the Union’s capacity-building history, achievements and future direction.
Through this work, the Committee seeks to support sustainable regional institutions, strengthen collaboration across the IUPsyS membership and enhance the ability of psychological organisations to respond to regional and global priorities.