IPAGlasgow2023

IPA Scotland, along with its partners IPA World, Play Scotland, Early Years Scotland and Inspiring Scotland was delighted to host IPAGlasgow2023 - the 22nd International Play Association Triennial World Conference, held in Glasgow in June 2023.

8 members of the IPAGlasgow2023 Steering Group, with the Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise (centre)

IPA Scotland and all the conference partners would like to thank our supporters Glasgow Convention Bureau, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Caledonian University, and our sponsors Richter Spielgeräte and Timberplay Scotland and Sutcliffe Play, all of whom helped make the conference what it was.

Members of the IPAGlasgow2023 Steering Group, with Ms Don, Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise (centre)

Scotland is recognised as one of the world’s leading nations for its support and practical action for children’s play. The right to play is backed by policy and practice across all sectors. The 22nd International Play Association Triennial World Conference examined how UN General Comment No 17 on article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child has impacted policy and practice in Scotland, and worldwide, to improve children’s right to play and to create possibilities for the future. We explored what this means for the right to play. We also explored how play reduces pressure and increases resilience in children’s lives, supporting their positive mental health and wellbeing.

Children's experiences were woven through the conference, with presentations of visual media, papers, projects and research. Over 500 delegates who attended the five day conference were also able to find out about children’s experiences in Scotland first-hand through the programme of facilitated visits, a sun-soaked Playday, and also enjoyed a packed social programme.

  • Before conference

    Here you will find some pre-conference materials developed to support attendees and presenters alike, as well as the conference programme.

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    A close-up, flat shot of some merch from the conference - a green tshirt with the logo, a lanyard, a water bottle, some tartan and some play books
  • During conference

    We are delighted to present details from the conference, including some plenary session recordings and some smashing photos!

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    A wide shot of the opening ceremony. Tam & Margaret, the hosts, are on stage in front of the conference logo. 8 rows of people are seated, facing towards them
  • After conference

    Here you’ll find some links post-conference materials produced by the conference and its partners, including our after conference reports.

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    The cover of the Conference Report