IPMA Council of Delegates Communiqué
As we conclude the online IPMA Council of Delegates meeting, we address our Delegates and external decision-makers during challenging yet exciting times for project management – at its intersection with technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the global push for the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework and Sustainable Development.
Our recent discussions have been profoundly influenced by AI’s transformative potential in project management. AI will continue to be a “hot word” for IPMA in 2024, particularly with the upcoming 12th IPMA Research Conference in the USA in April 2024, which will showcase how AI is reshaping project management by offering innovative tools for more efficient and effective practices.
Additionally, the 33rd IPMA World Congress, themed “Hope” and focusing on People, Purpose, and Performance, will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2024. This Congress will address Project Management’s critical role, exploring AI, ESG criteria, and Capital Projects.
Driven by our commitment to the project profession and building a better world, IPMA consistently examines how sustainability impacts project goals. We remain dedicated to enabling organizations to align with green deal agendas, striving for a sustainable future. A key theme from our discussions is that AI, alongside our collective efforts in ESG and sustainable development, gives us Hope. It represents a beacon of optimism, promising to make the world a better place and foster peace. Integrating AI into project management and sustainability frameworks is not just about enhancing efficiency but also about driving positive change.
We collectively recognize project management as a critical means to rebuild and revitalize communities and economies. Our commitment goes beyond traditional approaches, embracing innovative AI-driven solutions to achieve sustainable and impactful results. IPMA global sustainability standards cover the full range of environmental, social, and governance issues, including climate change, regenerative design, biodiversity and human rights, to help achieve the global IPMA’s mission: to orchestrate the project profession for a better world.
Concluding the meeting, IPMA Chairman Joop Schefferlie quoted Nelson Mandela: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” This powerful statement reminds us of a significant impact of our decisions. Addressing decision- makers, Schefferlie underscored the importance of selecting project professionals to maximize impact on NGOs, corporates, and society. He reaffirmed IPMA’s commitment to advancing project management, integrating AI technologies, and upholding ESG values. As Schefferlie stated, “We at IPMA are dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate this new era effectively.”