In this WFOT Symposium session, Partnerships in Action – Advancing Occupational Therapy, leaders from WFOT, Humanity & Inclusion, WHO, World Physiotherapy, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and ATscale explore how meaningful partnerships can strengthen occupational therapy and rehabilitation worldwide. Featuring Satish Mishra, Pushpak Newar, Marco Pang, Kylie Shae OAM, and Charu Sharma, the discussion looks at how collaboration across professional bodies, humanitarian organisations, governments, and global agencies can expand access to rehabilitation, support workforce development, improve assistive technology systems, and build stronger health services.
The session highlights real examples of partnership in practice, from emergency response and humanitarian rehabilitation to developing occupational therapy education programmes and shaping policy at national and international level. Speakers reflect on what makes collaboration effective, including shared goals, local leadership, co-creation, accountability, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices. Together, they make the case that advancing occupational therapy requires more than shared intent. It requires coordinated action, sustained relationships, and a collective commitment to equitable, high-quality care.
