Together Towards New Achievements
Dear colleagues and friends,
It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I reflect on the successful WPA Co-Sponsored International Conference for Forensic Psychiatry, held in Ohrid and organised by the Macedonian Psychiatric Association.
Over the course of the conference, Ohrid brought together distinguished experts, professors, researchers and clinicians from different countries, united by a shared commitment to advancing forensic psychiatry. The rich scientific programme, inspiring lectures and constructive discussions provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, experience and professional perspectives.
I am particularly pleased that the conference created a forum for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary forensic psychiatry — from violence risk assessment and forensic psychiatric evaluation to ethical issues, human rights and the improvement of psychiatric care in forensic settings. These topics remind us that our professional responsibility extends beyond clinical practice and carries an important role in society.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all speakers, session chairs, authors and participants whose presence and active contributions enriched the conference. My special thanks go to the members of the scientific and organising committees, our partners and everyone whose dedication contributed to the success of this international event.
For the Macedonian Psychiatric Association, gatherings such as this are much more than scientific events. They offer opportunities to build new friendships, strengthen existing professional relationships and lay the foundations for future joint initiatives. I am confident that the connections made and ideas shared during our time in Ohrid will continue to grow into new forms of scientific, educational and professional collaboration.
Our ambition remains clear: for the Macedonian Psychiatric Association to continue playing an active role in the international psychiatric community, encouraging scientific exchange and creating opportunities for professional development, particularly for our younger colleagues.
Let me once again thank you for being part of this conference and for helping make Ohrid a place of knowledge, collaboration and new ideas.
With the hope that this gathering will mark the beginning of many new shared achievements, I wish you good health and every success in your personal and professional lives.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr Antoni Novotni
President of the Macedonian Psychiatric Association
Chair of the Forensic Psychiatry Section of the World Psychiatric Association