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IPA 2023 in pictures

After five years in the making, the Inspiring Scotland Thrive Outdoors fund team gathered in Glasgow last month for the International Play Association (IPA) Triennial World Conference 2023.  

Hosted at Glasgow Caledonian University, the conference brought together 550 delegates from more than 40 countries including New Zealand, Hong Kong and the rest of the UK. 

IPA’s purpose is to protect, preserve and promote the child’s right to play as a fundamental human right. Scotland is recognised as one of the world’s leading nations for its support and practical action for children’s play, including the national position statement, which saw over 100 committed signatories pledge to work together to embed playing and learning outdoors as an everyday activity and a fundamental part of growing up.  

As one of four key partners on the steering group organising the conference, the Thrive Outdoors team played a significant role in the preparations, and during the conference itself the team took on a multitude of roles including presenting, chairing roundtables and facilitating a Play Day for more than 200 local children on the Friday.   

Representing the home team, Thrive Outdoors showcased the work carried out with partners across Scotland to empower and equip families, childcare professionals and educators with the confidence, enthusiasm and skills to encourage and support more and better outdoor play and learning for all children and young people.  

They were also recognised with a Right to Play award, presented by the IPA World Board.