Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to join us for the XVII World Congress of Psychiatry being held from 8 – 12 October 2017 in Berlin.

This will be jointly hosted by the World Psychiatric Association in association with the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN) with the congress theme: “Psychiatry of the 21st Century: Context, Controversies and Commitment”.

This World Congress offers an ideal opportunity to take stock of the state of psychiatry in the early part of the 21st century and share the vision and the future direction of exciting developments in the field. In addition to the new developments in research and clinical practice the congress will focus on human rights of individuals with mental illness as well as the German tradition of Psychopathology. The relationship between society and psychiatry is of paramount importance. A galaxy of star speakers from around the globe will provide insights into their elds of expertise with innovative and attractive formats. There will be planned sessions working with patient groups, family and carer groups, charities and other partner organisations.

The demand for better diagnostics and evidence-based treatment has increased in all settings and we must address that and share examples of good practice. The World Psychiatric Association is commit- ted to improve the health care of psychiatric patients wherever they live through raising standards of training, education as well as clinical practice by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.

This congress is an excellent opportunity to share academic developments, research and clinical practice. It will also provide a forum for better and closer social interactions and support.

Moreover, I am sure that Berlin will be an impressive host. Berlin is a special metropolis where the past and present meet and the atmosphere is characterised by the traditional, the modern and the avant- garde.

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.

Dinesh Bhugra
WPA President