Welcome message from the IDF President
Dear colleagues and friends,
In 2025, the International Diabetes Federation will host its World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 7 to 10. It will be my immense pleasure to welcome you there as I complete my term of office as President and hand over the leadership of the Federation to my successor, Professor Peter Schwartz and a new Board elected by IDF’s 245 members across 160 countries.
It will be a significant occasion for our community as 2025 will mark our 75th year. IDF was founded officially on September 23, 1950, in Amsterdam. Our first-ever congress was held soon thereafter in 1952 in Leiden, the Netherlands. We hope you will be there to mark this important milestone during the 27th edition of our World Diabetes Congress in the Land of Smiles.
The Congress will provide a tremendous opportunity for researchers, medical doctors, healthcare professionals, diabetes advocates, industry representatives and policymakers from across the global diabetes community to come together to help shape the future of diabetes. We anticipate around 7,000 attendees will join us to explore the latest advancements in diabetes care and prevention, share current best practices, and collaborate towards innovative solutions in the field of diabetes research, treatment and management. It will be a time to reflect on recent successes for our community, give earnest consideration to what remains to be done, and provide the chance to influence the future of care for the more than half a billion people now living with diabetes.
In Bangkok in 2025, let us commit to harnessing our community’s collective expertise and energy to spark innovative ideas, ignite conversations, and propel progress towards our shared goal of improving diabetes care for those living with the condition and preventing diabetes in those at risk.
At the time of writing this message, our esteemed programme committee, led by Co-Chairs Professor Antonio Ceriello and IDF Board member Dr Iryna Vlasenko and comprising leading diabetes experts from IDF’s seven regions, is developing what promises to be an exhilarating programme of inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and foster collaborations to help drive positive change in the fight against diabetes.
Your presence in Thailand will signify your dedication to tackling diabetes. Your passion, expertise, and insights will be instrumental in helping shape the future of diabetes care. With your help, the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 can leave a legacy in the region by encouraging greater emphasis on diabetes research and education and influencing health authorities to prioritise the needs of people living with diabetes.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Bangkok.
Akhtar Hussain, MD, M.Phil, MPH, Ph.D, DSc.
President, International Diabetes Federation
