WCPT — Special Meeting in London

WCPT - Special Meeting in London MORE than 7 0 delegates from 35 countries attended a special meeting of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) in London from July 2-4. This meeting was held t o ratify business which had been discussed in Sydney in 1987 but which had been unconfirmed as, sadly, the Sydney Congress was inquorate. Early in the conference, full membership was granted t o the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and the physiotherapy associations of Cyprus and Puerto Rico; membership was reinstated t o the organisations of Chile, Israel and Egypt. The UK was represented by Sheila Philbrook, chairman of the CSP Council, Julia Botteley, chairman of the International Affairs Committee and Susan Adams, chairman of the Professional Practice Committee. David Teager was present as second vice-president of WCPT and was responsible for the efficient and hospitable arrangements for the conference, which was held at the North London School of Physiotherapy. Constitutional affairs dominated most of the meeting.

0 It was agreed that English shall be the official language of WCPT, to be used for all official documents and legal matters. English, French and Spanish will be the working languages and translation facilities at meetings and debates will be provided.

OThe UK delegation proposed a more devolved structure to revitalise and encourage activity in WCPT. This concept of regionalisation was accepted, with recognition of potential difficulties for Africa and South America, and a task force will be established by the Executive Committee to determine specific regions and their functions.

The Swedish Association originally proposed that WCPT should adopt this resolution as policy and therefore support anti-apartheid. Many were concerned about the health care of black people and opportunities for physiotherapy education in South Africa. The SASP also fully supported this motion as it is deeply concerned with these issues and has made efforts as a member organisation neither t o endorse nor t o practise apartheid. It also fully supports the objectives of WCPT and

OThe principle of one country-one vote was accepted, instead of the present system of weighting to reflect number of members in the country. Proxy voting will also be allowed in certain circumstances.

These and other revised articles of association with agreed amendments were approved and will be operative from January 1989.

South Africa On the last day of the conference, the members debated the WCPT membership of the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP). A resolution was proposed by the Swedish Association referring t o the United Nations resolution which reads: 'Appeals to all governments and organisations to take appropriate action for the cessation of all academic, cultural, scientific and sports relations that would support the apartheid regime of South Africa, as well as relations with individuals, institutions and other bodies endorsing or based on apartheid.'

WCPT Guildhall Reception 360

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wishes to retain membership and the benefits of professional liaison. The South African delegates, therefore, will go t o their national council t o seek endorsement for a statement made by the SASP specifically against apartheid. After informal discussion and debate, the delegates wished to move forward in a constructive but sensitive manner and to respect the intentions of SASP. The motion was therefore amended and agreed as follows: 'The WCPT supports the UN resolution Number 40 - 641

Above Baroness Robson, president of the CSP; Mr D Teager. with members of the Spanish and Nigerian delegation; and Mr B Davey, Australia, newly elected president of WCPT (Australia) Below: Mrs S A Philbrook, chairman of the CSP Council; Lady Robson; and Mrs J Wise, vice-chairman of the CSP Council

of 1985 concerning apartheid and requests SASP to take further action in accordance with the requirements of this resolution.'

The formal business of the special meeting closed with the election of officers to the Executive Committee. Brian Davey of Australia was elected president, with David Teager (UK) as first vice-president, Ruth Wood (USA) as second vice-president and A J Fernando of Canada as third vicepresident. Representatives from Brazil, Finland, West Germany and France were elected to the Executive Committee and tributes were paid to retiring members who have given long and loyal service. After the difficult meeting in Sydney, the London special meeting represented real success in dealing with some contentious matters on the agenda. Delegates resolved t o re-establish WCPT as a well-structured organisation, working towards good professional liaison and the interests of worldwide health care. After all the delegates' hard work, the CSP entertained them to an enjoyable reception and dinner at the Guildhall, City of London. The friendly and supportive atmosphere augured well for the next WCPT Congress, which will be held at the Barbican Centre in London in 1991.

PAT ALLCHURCH BA MCSP physiotherapy, August 1988, vol74, no 8

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These photographs were taken at the WCPT reception in the crypts of the London Guildhall on July 4. All captions on this page run from left to right.

Left: Mr 0 Oparinde (Nigeria); Miss D Bauer (Australia);Miss M List, retiring president of WCPC Mr H A N Okeke (Nigeria Executive Committee); and Mr T Tiranasak, retiring treasurer of WCPT (Thailand)

Above: Mr M h o t (Netherlands); Mrs J Boudot; Mr M Hoofien (Netherliinds);and Mr J Boudot (France) Above right: Ms S Edelsberg (USA); Mr E Bohle, newly elected Executive Committee member (West Germany); Miss J M Botteley IUKI; and Ms C Flugge (West Germany)

Right: Mrs I Moore (UK); Mrs P Musa (Zimbabwe); Ms P Kuurne (Finland); Mr C Screve (France); and Ms M Mwanza (Zambia)

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