Cyprus to Host ATBH XII 2027, the World’s Leading Conference on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice
Interprofessional.Global, the World Confederation for Interprofessional Practice and Education, has confirmed that Cyprus will host the 12th edition of the International Conference on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice – All Together Better Health (ATBH XII) on June 14-18, 2027. The conference will be co-hosted by the International Network for Health Workforce Education (INHWE) and the European University Cyprus (EUC) and will take place in Nicosia.
ATBH is the leading global gathering of health and social care educators, practitioners, researchers, policy makers and service users committed to advancing interprofessional education and collaborative practice. The 2027 conference is expected to welcome more than 500 delegates from around the world. The conference will feature plenary sessions, interactive workshops, student challenges and poster presentations.
Director of INHWE, David Smith, commented: “we are delighted that Cyprus will host ATBH 2027. Both INHWE and EUC have a strong commitment to advancing education, collaboration and innovation in health and social care which makes us makes ideal hosts for this global event.” This was echoed by Professor Elizabeth Johnson, Dean of the School of Medicine at European University Cyprus, added: “European University Cyprus is honoured to co-host ATBH 2027. EUC has extensive experience in health profession education and international collaboration with a strong track record in transnational initiatives. This conference will provide an exceptional platform for educators, students and professionals to share evidence, build partnerships and promote interprofessional learning that will lead to better health for global communities.”
This will be the first time ATBH is hosted in Southern Europe, underscoring the region’s growing contribution to healthcare innovation and international collaboration. The Advisory Board of the Southern European Interprofessional Education Network (SE-IPEN), who represent IPE stakeholders in the region, stated: “Hosting ATBH 2027 in Cyprus offers a unique opportunity to showcase Southern Europe’s commitment to interprofessional education and collaborative practice while strengthening global partnerships. We are thrilled to be part of this global exchange that improves teamwork, empathy and equity in health care.”
Professor Marion Huber, Chair of the Interprofessional.Global Board commented, “Hosting the 2027 All Together Better Health XII in Cyprus recognises the growing leadership and innovation emerging from Southern Europe in interprofessional education and collaborative practice. ATBH has long been a catalyst for global connection and collaborative learning, and convening in Nicosia will further strengthen our collaborative commitment to teamwork, equity, and people-centred care. ATBH XII will connect people, evidence, and practice to drive meaningful and sustainable improvements across health and social care systems worldwide.”
The ATBH conference was first held in London in 1997 and has since been hosted in major cities worldwide. For further information about ATBH 2027, visit https://atbh.org/ or contact David Smith.
Collaborative Virtues: Building Resilient Teams Through Shared Values
In the evolving landscape of interprofessional education, collaboration grounded in shared values and ethical principles is essential for addressing today’s complex healthcare challenges. The conference theme, "Collaborative Virtues: Building Resilient Teams Through Shared Values," bridges the timeless principles of Stoicism (which originated in Cyprus through Zeno of Citium in around 300BC) with modern practices in IPE to foster ethical, resilient, and effective teamwork.
At the heart of this theme are four integrated virtues that reflect both Stoic philosophy and the goals of IPE:
Wisdom in Collaboration: Teams thrive when they embrace diverse perspectives and apply rational judgment to make decisions. IPE fosters this wisdom by encouraging lifelong learning, practical judgment, and mutual respect. Whether crafting patient-centred care plans or addressing systemic challenges, wisdom ensures thoughtful and informed collaboration.
Courage to Communicate: Honest, open, and constructive communication is a cornerstone of IPE. Courage empowers professionals to address misunderstandings, advocate for shared goals, and engage in challenging conversations with resilience. This virtue reflects the Stoic principle of facing difficulties with integrity and fortitude.
Justness in Teamwork: Equity and fairness are foundational to effective interprofessional collaboration. Justice ensures that every team member’s voice is valued and decisions are made with integrity and inclusivity. IPE promotes this virtue by fostering equitable participation, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to serving the common good.
Temperance in Adaptability: Flexibility and balance enable teams to navigate change and overcome challenges. In IPE, temperance is reflected in professionals' ability to moderate personal preferences, manage biases, and adapt to dynamic team needs, creating harmonious and efficient collaboration.
Through this lens, the conference theme emphasizes how these Stoic virtues – wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance – developed by the ancient philosophical tradition in Cyprus can transform interprofessional education. By cultivating wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, IPE participants can navigate ethical dilemmas, improve communication, and build resilient teams that excel in diverse and complex environments.
This theme invites educators, practitioners, and students to engage with workshops, discussions, and case studies that explore these virtues in action. Sessions will highlight how Stoic principles can guide interprofessional collaboration, offering practical strategies to enhance learning, improve outcomes, and address real-world challenges.
Ultimately, "Collaborative Virtues: Building Resilient Teams Through Shared Values" is a call to action. It challenges the IPE community to integrate these virtues into their practice, inspiring a culture of excellence, ethical collaboration, and shared purpose. By bridging ancient wisdom with modern practice, the conference will empower participants to build teams that are not only effective but also aligned with enduring values, ready to face the complexities of today’s interconnected world.
Cosmopolitan, historical and bustling, Nicosia is uniquely comprised of an ancient, walled city and a modern, fast-paced European capital. Nicosia is a city that will reward visitors in search of ‘something different’. As a result of the various architectural influences from different historical periods that are visible throughout the city, the past and present, traditional and contemporary have seamlessly fused together. The city’s landmarks, museums, theatres, musical events and galleries cater for a range of visitor interests.
Outside Nicosia, the island offers visitors a Mediterranean landscape of sun, sea, culture and cuisine. Cyprus is a small island with a long history and a rich culture that spans 11.000 years, making it one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean – as evidenced by the many fascinating cultural sights, museums, monuments and galleries. Situated at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – the island’s unique geographic position has played an important role since antiquity. Over 4 million visitors a year enjoy Cyprus’s intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid–May to mid–October, and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons.