This issue belongs to the new generation of applied professional psychologists, from across all divisions of the IAAP. My role as editor is very secondary, and I will not even try to steal any of the presenters’ thunder. All I can do really is to say, from the heart, what moved me about the concept and the event itself, which I was lucky enough to catch, in part, at the outset. I loved the blend of presentations by new scholars and practitioners, coupled with keynotes from more established and experienced voices in the room. For me, this early career marathon was first and foremost an instantiation of Sustainability, as the baton of application was passed from one generation to the next.

Inter-generational thinking, and practice like this ‘walks the talk’ on sustainability. Indeed, the very act of pairing seasoned voices and perspectives with new and emerging scholarship and applications, is an exercise in SDG-17 – Partnerships for the SDGs. The focus on early careers evoked SDG4 – ‘ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, aiming to provide access to quality education at all levels, and for all people.’ Thus, whilst the marathon was spearheaded by the work of ECAPs themselves, and a fellow ECAP audience globally, generations of all stripes were include; involved; part of inter-generational learning.

And what a learning it was, and is. In the paper summaries and abstracts about to follow, you will hear how these presentations, and speakers reflect and represented all 18 divisions of the IAAP, from all corners of the world. The day itself was inclusive, as it followed all the different time zones of the globe in succession, melting away false borders both geographic and chronometric, all whilst respecting and reflecting a wealth of socio-cultural, -political, and -economic perspectives and worldviews. Borne of a pandemic, this is a statement of resilience across our profession and discipline, which is fit for purpose in challenging the uncertainties, backlashes and vagaries of the times.

One particular division of course is responsible for running the marathon – 15. My hat is raised to all the D15 Team, to Profs. Altungy and Davcheva, Secretary-General and President, for envisioning and actioning this program, and the event as a whole. It is now a tradition, and a prospect for the future. Each of us in and across our respective divisions, will find inspiration in the talks, and the topics. For myself, with a bias in work, livelihoods, and climate action, I see leitmotivs of Sustainable Livelihoods: Connectivity; including inter-generational partnerships; buffering against shocks and crises; and the importance of being warmly welcomed into this collar of work and its core values.

As the more seasoned among us know, having guidance at the start of a career is formative, and cumulative in its effects. I loved that many of the contributors mentioned their mentors, and supervisors, colleagues and collaborators. The editorials from the D15 leaders below, too, nod back to past presidents and editors and leaders who have been instrumental, and pivotal, in putting the ECM into the annals and DNA of our IAAP, and its community of applied professional practice and scholarship. As long as I am editor of this publication, we will make sure that we keep and grow the tradition. The ECM is part of the past, and more importantly the future of an applied research horizon.