“When we bridge science, practice and education, not only do we become One Pharmacy and One Health, we also unite as One FIP,” said International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) president Mr Paul Sinclair, AM, as he opened the 84th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Montreal on 30 August, calling for collective action to advance pharmacy’s contribution to global health.
Under the theme “One Health, One Pharmacy – Bridging science, practice and education,” Mr Sinclair reflected on a year of advocacy, collaboration and progress, highlighting FIP’s growing contribution to global health discussions and its work to strengthen the voice of pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical scientists.
“The work of the FIP Board, sectors, constituencies, officers, volunteers and team members is not purely to tick boxes and show output. It is about reaffirming pharmacists’ irreplaceable and invaluable role in the global health care system,” he said.
FIP’s close engagement with the World Health Organization (WHO) was a key focus, with Mr Sinclair highlighting the federation’s extensive presence at the 79th World Health Assembly in May 2026. A 55-member FIP delegation represented pharmacy at more than 80 events, while FIP also participated in 15 partner events and hosted three side events focused on self-care, humanitarian action and access to medicines, and tobacco cessation.
“One Health is achieved when FIP remains closely aligned with the WHO,” he added.
The president also highlighted the importance of collaboration across health professions and the congress’s role in exploring how pharmacy can contribute to stronger primary health care, responsible use of medicines, resilient and sustainable supply systems, and a health workforce equipped to meet changing needs.
Looking ahead, Mr Sinclair highlighted the forthcoming FIP Montreal Declaration on non-communicable diseases, which will be launched tomorrow during the second plenary session in collaboration with FIP Member Organisation the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association. He also highlighted FIP’s work to bridge science, practice and education through publications, toolkits, reports, multilingual resources, CPD Bites, podcasts, infographics, country profiles, journal articles and new programmes receiving the FIP Seal.
Earlier today, FIP received the sad news that Dr Kamal Midha, FIP president 2006-2010, passed away this morning in Abu Dhabi. Dr Midha was a visionary leader who led the establishment and inclusion of education as the third pillar of FIP. “It seems fitting that we have received this news this morning, as Dr Midha’s extended FIP family, since Kamal was known to so many of us gathered here today”, said Mr Sinclair. Today, the FIP Council completed the mandate of a unified integrated FIP Board and reform of all structures, realising Kamal’s vision here in 2026.
Emphasising that progress depends on collective action across the global pharmacy community, he concluded by calling on the global pharmacy community to continue working together to advance the profession worldwide: “It is this united collective among us, globally, that will achieve the mandate of advancing pharmacy worldwide. Forward with Pharmacy. Forward with FIP.”
