Representatives from World Physiotherapy’s founding member organisations came together in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from 28–30 May 2026 to celebrate more than 75 years of global collaboration and reflect on the organisation's journey - from its establishment in 1951 to a global community of 129 member organisations representing more than 600,000 physiotherapists worldwide.
Sidy Dieye, chief executive officer, said:
"World Physiotherapy was founded on collaboration, and that spirit continues to define our organisation today. As we celebrate 75 years, this meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on our shared history while contributing to the ongoing development of our Physio2040 vision alongside our wider global community."
Held alongside the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress and hosted by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, the founders' meeting took place in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral home and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq people. Opening remarks included a formal land acknowledgement recognising the enduring presence and stewardship of Indigenous communities.
The programme combined reflection on the progress of physiotherapy with discussions about its future. Participants shared milestones and achievements, explored opportunities and challenges facing physiotherapy worldwide, and held discussions that contributed to the ongoing development of Physio2040 - the strategic vision which will help guide World Physiotherapy's future priorities.
Facilitated roundtable discussions encouraged participants to reflect on the organisation's evolution over the past 75 years, identify where further progress is needed, and consider how member organisations can continue working together to strengthen the profession and respond to emerging global health challenges.
The meeting concluded with a commemorative dinner, celebrating the organisation's history while reaffirming a steadfast, shared commitment to supporting the global physiotherapy community for the years ahead.
Representatives attended in person and virtually from the following founding member organisations:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association – Rik Dawson, president
- Canadian Physiotherapy Association – Allison Stene, president, and Krissy Bell, chief executive officer
- Finnish Association of Physiotherapists – Sanna Hosio, president
- German Association for Physiotherapy – Alexander Stirner, president
- Physiotherapy New Zealand – Simon Hoar, chief executive officer
- Norwegian Physiotherapist Association – Stig Fløisand, president, and Aslaug Skúladóttir, head of professional affairs
- South African Society of Physiotherapy – Natalie Benjamins-Damons, president, and Monique Koopman, deputy president
- Swedish Association of Physiotherapists – Cecilia Winberg, president
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy – Sylvia Wojciechowski, president, and John Cowman, chief executive officer
- American Physical Therapy Association – Kyle Covington, president, and Justin Moore, chief executive officer
- World Physiotherapy – Michel Landry, president; Sidy Dieye, chief executive officer; and Ann Nicholson, staff
The Association of Danish Physiotherapists sent its apologies.
