president's message - reflections and blessings for the next year

Dear Colleagues, Delegates, and Friends of Podiatry,

As we embrace 2025, I am honored to share with you how our Federation has evolved into a truly dynamic force in global healthcare. Much like an octopus – nature's master of adaptability and coordination – the International Federation of Podiatrists has demonstrated remarkable strength through its unified central leadership and far-reaching specialized arms of expertise.

Our board, serving as the central nervous system of our organization, has strategically guided our key initiatives this past year. Each specialized working group, like the precise arms of an octopus, has extended our reach and impact across different domains of podiatric advancement:

• Research & Education Arm: The Global Podiatry Summit in Reykjavik showcased our intellectual strength, bringing together 400+ delegates from 32 countries, generating 150 research presentations, and establishing new international research collaborations.

• Professional Development Arm: Our newly established academic working groups have been advancing recognition of podiatric qualifications, expanding our professional footprint significantly.

• Legislative Affairs Arm: Working tirelessly with health ministries, this group continues to achieve enhanced scope of practice in member countries. We proudly celebrate those member associations whose outstanding efforts have been recognized with prestigious royal recognitions.

• Digital Innovation Arm: The upcoming launch of our FeetBook platform represents our adaptation to the digital age, creating a neural network that will connect our 40,000 members across 22 countries in real-time knowledge sharing.

• Global Outreach Arm: We look forward to welcoming new member countries this year, expanding our influence and establishing new regional partnerships.

Looking ahead to GPS2026 in Copenhagen, our organization stands firm on these achievements while reaching further. Each arm of our federation will focus on specific targets:

1. Establishing standardized global education benchmarks

2. Implementing cross-border practice guidelines

3. Launching international research initiatives

4. Developing global emergency response protocols

5. Creating mentorship programs across member nations

The FeetBook platform will serve as our organization's nervous system, enabling rapid communication and coordination between all our working groups and members. This digital transformation will allow us to respond swiftly to challenges and opportunities, much like an octopus adapting to its environment.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our board members, who guide our organization with vision and wisdom, and to our working group leaders and members who, like the capable arms of an octopus, execute our mission with precision and dedication. Special thanks to our member associations' presidents and delegates whose local efforts create our global impact.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our families and friends whose unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement make our dedicated work possible. Their sacrifices and backing enable us to pursue our mission with such commitment and passion.

As we move forward, our organizational structure gives us unique advantages: the ability to reach multiple goals simultaneously, adapt to changing healthcare landscapes, and maintain a firm grip on our professional standards. Together, we are not just keeping the world on its feet – we are advancing how it moves forward.

Let us embrace 2025 with the same intelligence, adaptability, and coordination that makes our federation strong. May this year bring health, success, and continued growth to our global podiatric community.

Together we keep the world on its feet,