The inaugural International Congress of the General Council of Occupational Therapy Professional Colleges (CGCTO), held in Madrid from May 22 to 24, offered a platform for professionals, researchers, and students to exchange knowledge, innovations, and experiences aimed at advancing occupational therapy’s societal impact. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in lectures, panel discussions with both national and international experts, research presentations, and interactive workshops, all of which facilitated collaboration and professional growth within the occupational therapy community.

In the opening ceremony, CGCTO President Inmaculada Íñiguez was joined by Spain’s Minister of Health, Mónica García, who stressed the crucial role of occupational therapy in Primary Care: “Primary Care is the heart of the healthcare system and must be led by professionals who are in daily contact with patients and understand their real-life needs.”

The Congress started with a strong international focus on the first day. Samantha Shann, President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), delivered a keynote on the challenges and prospects of the profession. Additional discussions featured leaders such as Anu Söderström, President of the Council of Occupational Therapists for the European Countries (COTEC), and experts from Portugal and France, who provided a global perspective on Occupational Therapy.

A central theme throughout the event was the importance of teamwork and the vital role occupational therapy plays within multi-professional teams. Salvador Simó, PhD in Inclusive Education, further explored this idea during his keynote on occupational participation, highlighting how innovation can contribute to well-being and engagement.

Another key topic was the contribution of occupational therapy to disaster response, with therapists sharing their experiences from the recent floods in Valencia. The final sessions addressed the importance of occupational therapy in elderly care, palliative care, and gerontology, with insights from José Augusto García Navarro, President of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG).

To conclude, the announcement of the 3rd Iberian Congress of Occupational Therapy, organised by the Portuguese Association of Occupational Therapists, marked a fitting end to the Congress, promising future opportunities for collaboration and development.