IPSF PRESS RELEASE

GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

The International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF), representing the global voice of
pharmaceutical students and recent graduates, supports of the Aims of the Global Conference on
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Education in creating a unified vision and comprehensive goals for
pharmacy workforce development. In working towards Universal Health Coverage, the time for a unified
and visionary plan for pharmacy education is long overdue. Increased workforce capacity and improved
health outcomes all start with education, and IPSF believes strongly in the access to quality education for
all pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students.
Established in 1949, IPSF now represents more than 313,000 pharmaceutical students and recent
graduates in over 80 countries worldwide. IPSF is the leading international advocacy organisation for
pharmacy students promoting improved public health through the provision of information, education,
networking, and a range of publication and professional activities.
Progress cannot occur on a global scale without a unified vision serving as a foundation of our work; all
providers of pharmacy care must be connected, and possess a global commitment to realizing that vision.
With the student voice serving as a critical stakeholder in any discussions on pharmacy education, IPSF has
worked actively over the last few months to provide valuable input for shaping the Global Vision and
Workforce Development Goals. The Global Vision and Workforce Development Goals incorporate our
student and recent graduates ideas with the goal of these documents serving as a reflection of the current
educational environment. We believe these documents are the best available reference to begin to
address the educational gaps that have, until now, prevented significant progress. This starts with
addressing the gaps in quality among pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences higher learning institutions
and curricula, and leads to addressing the needs for early career development and support.
The International Pharmaceutical Students Federation officially endorses and supports the International
Pharmaceutical Federations Global Vision and Workforce Development Goals and accompanying
documents. We not only have provided broad member input on the finalized wording, but also have
representatives of the Executive Committee and Education Advocacy Portfolios present at the Conference.
Thank you to FIP for the opportunity to provide a strong voice of support in our joint efforts to advance
pharmacy education on a global scale.
--International Pharmaceutical Students Federation. 7 November 2016. Nanjing, China.