Representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Through our 139 national organisations, academic institutional members and individual members, we represent over three million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world.



To support the pharmacy profession

Founded in 1912, FIP is a non-governmental organisation with its head office in the Netherlands. Through our partnerships and extensive pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences network, we work to support the development of the pharmacy profession, through practice and emerging scientific innovations, in order to meet the world’s health care needs and expectations. 



Leader of pharmacy at a global level

Molecules become medicines when pharmaceutical expertise is added. In turn, pharmacists — through ensuring responsible use — optimise the effects of these medicines. FIP is recognised as the leader of pharmacy at a global level. We continue to expand our presence and influence through partnerships with some of the world’s leading health, policymaking, education and science institutions.



FIP’s strategic plan (“2020 Vision”), adopted in 2008, is to ensure that the federation is an integral participant in global health care decisions and actions. As such, the vision that The International Pharmaceutical Federation holds is that:



"Wherever and whenever decision-makers discuss any aspects of medicines on a global level, FIP is at the table."



FIP is enabled to succeed in this vision through the recognition and respect it gains through the fulfilment of its mission, which is to:



“Improve global health by advancing pharmaceutical education, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical practice thus encouraging, promoting and enabling better discovery, development, access to and responsible use of appropriate, cost-effective, quality medicines worldwide.”



FIP congresses

The FIP annual World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is held in different parts of the world. In general, the congress is held in a regional sequence, whereby FIP member organisations from different countries may submit a proposal for their country to host a congress. Factors such as support of local suppliers, suitability of the venue, likely financial viability, safety, and the political situation are taken into account. The congress attracts between 2500 and 3000 participants depending on the region of the world.



Future congresses:

77th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2017

3 – 7 September 2017, Seoul, South Korea



78th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2018

2 – 6 September 2018, Glasgow, Scotland



79th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2019

22 – 26 September 2019, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates



The FIP Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress is held every three years, and attracts pharmaceutical scientists from around the world to discuss cutting-edge research and promising developments. As for the annual congress, a number of factors are taken into account in the decision over the location of future congresses.



This congress attracts between 2500 and 3000 participants depending on the region of the world.



Future congress:

7th FIP Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress 2020

22 – 27 May 2020, Montreal, Canada