INSPIRE, CREATE, REPEAT

Mental health has ascended to a position of global priority, yet the dominant paradigms for its understanding and treatment remain predominantly rooted in Western-centric epistemological frameworks. This approach often fails to address the rich diversity of human experience, expression, and healing practices across different cultures. Against this backdrop, the field of psychology is at a critical juncture, shaped by the convergence of three powerful forces: groundbreaking advancements in neuroscience, the ubiquitous rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and a renewed focus on human potential.

Neuroscience offers unprecedented insights into the neural underpinnings of cognition and emotion, yet it raises fundamental questions about how these universal mechanisms interact with culturally specific experiences to shape the mind. Simultaneously, AI promises to revolutionize diagnostics and therapeutic interventions, but it also brings forth profound ethical questions regarding algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the capacity of machines to navigate cultural nuances. Concurrently, the focus on human potential, inspired by humanistic and positive psychology, propels the discipline beyond a mere deficit-based model towards an understanding of flourishing, resilience, and well-being concepts deeply embedded in cultural values and narratives.

This critical exploration is not a new endeavor for the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta. Our commitment to this cause is built upon a strong foundation established by our preceding conferences. In 2022, the 1^st International Conference on Psychology (ICOP) initiated this dialogue by focusing on the vital role of indigenous psychology and local wisdom, yielding new paradigms for psychotherapy that are both culturally resonant and effective in a disruptive era. Building on this momentum, the 2^nd ICOP shifted its focus to practical application with the theme “Sustainable Community Well-being: From Marginal to Thriving Community,” championing initiatives to transform vulnerable populations into resilient and flourishing societies.

The 3^rd International Conference on Psychology (ICOP 3) represents the next evolutionary step in this journey. It takes the foundational commitment to cultural perspectives and community well-being from our previous conferences and propels it into the contemporary landscape now being reshaped by artificial intelligence and neuroscience. We now ask: How can these powerful new tools be harnessed to enhance, rather than erode, culturally-grounded well-being? How can neuroscientific discoveries validate and enrich indigenous knowledge? This conference, therefore, is not merely an examination of new trends, but a deliberate continuation of our mission to champion mental health frameworks that are both globally informed and deeply rooted in diverse human realities.