Keynote address: The Role of Ethics in Addressing the Issues Facing the World Today: Connecting Psychology, Politics and Virtue In 2008, the International Union of Psychological Science and the International Association of Applied Psychology adopted the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists as “a common moral framework that guides and inspires psychologists worldwide toward the highest ethical ideals in their professional and scientific work.” (UDEPP, 2008). This important historical event occurred sixty years after the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights “as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations” (United Nations, 1948). The purpose of this presentation will be to highlight the relevance of the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles in today’s world. Behind each of the present day global problems, there are ethical issues. Present day discourse on the role of ethics and moral values in politics and international relations is to narrow and rests mostly on Western traditions. This must be enlarged. Based on research and broad international consultation, the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles can provide the moral framework needed for addressing today’s global problems. Hopes for a better world for all require not only a better psychological understanding of human nature, but also a renewed emphasis on the promotion of respect for persons and peoples as a foundation for peace and harmony. Keywords: Ethics, ethical principles, politics, virtue, global issues Janel Gauthier – is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Laval University in Canada and President of the International Association of Applied Psychology. He also is a past president of the Canadian Psychological Association and a current member of its Ethics Committee. He has published over 100 scientific papers and book chapters on the applications of behavioural, cognitive, and social psychology to mental health problems. Since 2002, ethics has become the main focus of his research, presentations and writings. One of his most important achievements is arguably the development of the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists, which was unanimously adopted by the International Union of Psychological Science and the International Association of Applied Psychology in 2008 following a six-year process of intense research and broad international consultation. Professor Gauthier was the chair of the international working group which drafted the Universal Declaration. He has received numerous national and international awards for his distinguished contributions to the international advancement of psychology and ethics. In 2015, he was the recipient of the APA International Psychology Division’s Outstanding International Psychologist Award.
