World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) News and Events

HIGHLIGHTS FROM A LANDMARK WORLD CONGRESS IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA The World Congress of Gastroenterology came to Australia for the first time in 35 years when WGO joined with the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) this September in Melbourne to mount a very successful meeting. Over 2500 registrants attended, including more than 600 international attendees from nearly 60 countries representing all regions of the globe, making it the largest attended Australian gastroenterology meeting ever. The 4-day program commenced with the traditional Postgraduate Course, followed by the 3-day core meeting. Seven concurrent sessions enabled the development of a large and comprehensive program covering all aspects of general gastroenterology, hepatology, and their subsets, as well as pancreatology, nutrition, and nursing. The theme “Emerging Frontiers in Gastroenterology and Hepatology,” attracted nearly 1000 research abstract submissions. These were assessed by a local and international team, with those judged to be the best given the opportunity to present verbally at an unopposed 2-hour session in the main plenary hall. Particular thanks are due to the Scientific Program Committee, co-Chaired by Jonathan Leighton and Amany Zekry, for their tireless work throughout the year leading to such an exceptional program. Registrants interviewed about their experience at the event declared it to have been an outstanding success. Special commendation went to the quality of the program and the speakers, the efficiency, responsiveness, and assistance of the professional conference organizers. Also noted was the convention center’s first-class modern facility and location in the heart of the city, with easy access to hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping, as well as the academic, cultural, sporting, and botanic features, for which Melbourne is so well known. WORLD CONGRESS OF GASTROENTEROLOGY, NEW DELHI, INDIA: SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 3, 2026 On behalf of WGO and the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG), we invite you to the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026)—a landmark event being held for the very first time in India, in the vibrant national capital, New Delhi. India has emerged as a significant contributor to global gastrointestinal research, with a growing focus on diseases highly relevant to both local and international populations. Premier medical institutions and research organizations in India have played pivotal roles in developing national and international guidelines, advancing epidemiological surveillance, and fostering translational research. Co-hosted by WGO and the ISG, WCOG 2026 promises to be a unique convergence of minds from across the globe—gastroenterologists, hepatologists, pancreatologists, endoscopists, gastrointestinal surgeons, dieticians, nurses, technologists, and other healthcare professionals deeply invested in advancing care in our field. Our theme, “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health and Preserving Nature”, reflects not just a scientific pursuit but a commitment to the larger well-being of our planet. Expect a dynamic blend of cutting-edge research, meaningful discussions, and the kind of cross-disciplinary exchange that will shape the future of medicine.