Statement on the Selection of Cairo for the 2027 ICP Conference

The International Council of Psychologists Board engaged in a careful and deliberative review before selecting Cairo, Egypt, as the location for the 2027 ICP Conference. The process included sustained discussion of a variety of proposed locations, consultation with our host institution, The American University in Cairo (AUC), and serious consideration of the ethical, logistical, accessibility, safety, and human-rights implications of holding the conference in the region.

ICP’s mission is grounded in the promotion of human rights, dignity, justice, international understanding, and the application of psychological science to issues of global importance. Consistent with this mission, the conference theme—Human Rights, Dignity, & Justice: Psychological Science, Practice, Policy, & Equity—reflects ICP’s commitment to advancing psychological knowledge and practice in direct conversation with the urgent social, cultural, political, and human-rights challenges facing communities around the world.

The Board recognizes that some members and potential attendees may have concerns about traveling to Egypt. Egypt, like many countries in which international organizations convene, has a documented record of human-rights concerns, including restrictions on civil liberties and risks affecting LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Participants may also have concerns related to religion, nationality, ethnicity, political circumstances, regional conflict, or other aspects of their identities and personal situations. These concerns are legitimate, were taken seriously during the Board’s deliberations, and will continue to inform conference planning.

Choosing Egypt does not indicate indifference to these concerns, nor does it represent endorsement of any law, policy, or practice that violates human rights, dignity, equity, inclusion, or safety. Rather, the Board concluded that ICP’s presence in the region can serve an important professional and educational purpose. As an international psychology organization committed to human rights, ICP believes there is value in bringing rigorous and ethically grounded psychological science, dialogue, and professional collaboration to places where conversations about dignity, justice, participation, and equity are especially urgent.

Holding the conference in Cairo also provides an opportunity to expand ICP’s partnerships and engagement across Africa and the Middle East and to increase opportunities for scholars, practitioners, students, and community partners from these regions to participate in global psychology.

The safety, dignity, and inclusion of all attendees—regardless of religion, nationality, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other aspects of identity—remain central priorities for ICP. The conference will be hosted at AUC, which serves a diverse international community and maintains established campus access and security procedures. ICP will work closely with AUC and local partners to promote a respectful, welcoming, and secure conference environment and to support all participants, including those who may have particular concerns about traveling to or participating in a conference in Egypt.

At the same time, neither ICP nor AUC can guarantee the personal safety of every participant or predict the political and security conditions that will exist in October 2027. International travel always involves individual circumstances and risks, and regional and global conditions may change before the conference. Each prospective participant will therefore need to make an informed personal decision about whether attendance is appropriate, taking into account official government travel advisories, individual identity and circumstances, health considerations, and personal tolerance for risk.

ICP, the conference planning committee, and AUC will continue to monitor official travel guidance, regional developments, and host-institution assessments. ICP will provide participants with timely and transparent information, practical guidance, and available resources to assist them in making informed decisions. This may include information about entry and travel requirements, local laws and customs, campus security procedures, transportation, emergency contacts, and considerations that may be particularly relevant to individuals from specific communities or identity groups.

If circumstances change materially, decisions concerning conference arrangements, participant guidance, program delivery, or other appropriate adjustments will be made and communicated as far in advance as reasonably possible.

The Board’s decision reflects both humility and responsibility: humility about the complexities and uncertainties of convening internationally, and responsibility to ensure that ICP’s commitment to human rights is not limited to settings where such work is easy. We believe that psychological science, practice, policy, and education have an important role in advancing dignity, justice, equity, and human rights globally, including in regions where these commitments require particular courage, care, transparency, and sustained engagement.