ICPA Unveils 2024-2027 Strategic And Business Plans
Annual Conference In Singapore In September
The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) has revealed its ambitious roadmap for 2024-2027, signalling its dedication to shaping correctional practices worldwide.
The announcement, which encompasses the unveiling of the strategic plan for the period above alongside the business plan spanning from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the association’s journey.
Drawing upon extensive input from the association’s diverse membership base, networks, and ICPA board, these meticulously crafted documents are more than just organisational blueprints. They are a testament to the association’s collective commitment to effecting positive change in global correctional systems.
Peter Severin, President of the ICPA, articulated the significance of these plans. He said, “These are not just documents; we pledge to continue influencing correctional practice worldwide and our plan to create safer, healthier communities.
“We believe in the power of collaboration and are deeply grateful for the collective dedication of our members, networks, and board.”
The unveiled plans outline many captivating initiatives slated for the forthcoming years.
Singapore And Dubai
Among these are annual conferences set to unfold in diverse locales such as Singapore, Kigali, Belfast, and Dubai, each serving as a robust discourse and knowledge exchange platform.
The ICPA Annual Conference 2024 will be held from September 1 to 6, 2024, at Grand Copthorne Waterfront in Singapore. The 26th annual conference will be held under Enabling Desistance: Beyond Recidivism.
The inaugural Women in Corrections conference is particularly noteworthy, scheduled to convene in Thailand. It will highlight ICPA’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing gender-specific issues within correctional settings.
Furthermore, the 2025 Correctional Research Symposium in Northern Ireland is a testament to ICPA’s emphasis on research and innovation, providing a forum for scholars and practitioners to delve into cutting-edge developments shaping the field.
Recognising the pivotal role of digital connectivity in today’s landscape, ICPA has unveiled plans for online webinars and Learning Academy sessions tailored to its members. This transformative initiative transcends geographical boundaries, facilitating continual learning and professional development.
Call To Action
Beyond serving as a roadmap for organisational activities, these newly announced plans serve as a call to action, inviting ICPA members and partners alike to advance the organisation’s mission of creating safer, healthier communities worldwide.
They encapsulate a vision of collective empowerment and collaboration, reaffirming ICPA’s standing as a beacon of progress in corrections.
ICPA is registered in Ottawa, Canada, and is a pioneering platform dedicated to enhancing international and inter-agency cooperation in disciplinary practices.
At its core, ICPA actively champions policies and standards aimed at fostering humane and practical approaches to corrections, playing a pivotal role in their development and implementation on a global scale.
Central to the ICPA’s ethos is the belief that imprisonment should be a last resort. Embracing this principle, the association ardently supports exploring and adopting alternative sanctions and community corrections to uphold individuals’ dignity while safeguarding their rights.
Foundational Values
“We believe in integrity and professionalism, the sharing of ideas, and partnerships. We believe in the capacity for positive change in individuals, their dignity, and the duty to protect their rights,” asserts an ICPA spokesperson, encapsulating the organisation’s foundational values.
Operating within a framework of collaboration and inclusivity, ICPA employs a multifaceted approach to achieve its objectives. The association collaborates with local organising committees worldwide to bring major annual conferences and regional events to the doorstep of prison and corrections professionals.
Moreover, outside of these events, ICPA fosters ongoing discussions, networking, and partnerships through workshops, network groups, social media platforms, and interactive online services.
ICPA’s commitment to setting standards and fostering cooperation is underscored by its collaboration with partner organisations. Notable examples include the Abuja Declaration in Africa and the Barbados Declaration in Latin America, both of which aim to set standards for correctional practices.
Additionally, the association has pledged to work closely with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping to address the myriad challenges confronting prison systems, particularly in developing and post-conflict environments, as outlined in the UNDPKO Declaration.
Engaging with the ICPA offers many benefits for professionals and organisations involved in correctional work. By participating in ICPA’s activities, individuals and entities can gain global recognition as leaders in the field, present their work among peers and experts, expand their professional network within the most significant international corrections community, showcase best practices and products on a global stage, and forge valuable business opportunities and contacts.
Moreover, ICPA remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing professionalism within the field through business and other initiatives such as the Correctional Leadership Academy and Staff Training programmes.Top of FormBottom of Form
Featured image: The 26th ICPA Annual Conference will be held from September 1 to 6, 2024, at Grand Copthorne Waterfront in Singapore. Credit: ICPA
