Biennial Report 2021–2023: FIGO is global
FIGO's strength comes from our world-renowned experts, whose knowledge and experience in all aspects of women’s health is a popular addition to presentations and panel sessions throughout global and national events.
The world is at a pivotal moment when global leaders, national policy makers, partner organisations and civil society are calling out for Health for All; including specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directly related to maternal health, newborn survival, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender equity in health. The following sections highlight just some of those opportunities that FIGO led or took part in over 2021–2023.
XXIV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Our first in-person World Congress since 2018 gave us the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections and build alliances to shape a better future for women, girls and newborns worldwide.
On 9–12 October, we gathered in Paris for an extraordinary week of sharing, listening and learning. We were delighted to welcome more than 8,000 delegates from five continents, 116 countries and hundreds of organisations. We were inspired by the work of more than 500 experts from all corners of the world and moved by voices drawn from across FIGO’s global membership.
Read FIGO CEO's reflections on the Congress, or explore more on some of the key topics covered by the event.
FIGO Latin America Regional Congress – Cartagena 2022
The FIGO Latin America Regional Congress – Cartagena 2022 took place 3–5 November at the Hilton Cartagena Hotel. The event was delivered by FIGO in partnership with Federación Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecología (FECOLSOG).
Our world-leading scientific programme spanned the specialties of obstetrics and gynaecology, with key themes including sexual and reproductive health and rights, obstetric emergencies, quality and safety of care, vaccination during pregnancy, cervical cancer prevention and treatment, environmental impact on reproductive health, and women’s health across the life course. There was a variety of interactive session formats including plenaries, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops and breakfast meetings with subject experts.
Delegates of FIGO Cartagena 2022 learned from global leaders in obstetrics and gynaecology including:
- Dr Jorge Milhem Hadad, President of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), “Surgical Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse”
- Dr Laura Gil, Vice Chair of FIGO’s Committee on Safe Abortion and OBGYN at the National University of Colombia, “Respectful Care in Safe Abortion”
- Dr Miguel Gutiérrez Ramos, Executive Director of the Latin American Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FLASOG), “Inculcating Reproductive Rights in Patient Care”.
More than 1,000 people joined us to update and improve their clinical skills, hear the latest scientific breakthroughs and partake in discussions that have helped to shape national, regional and global policy.
FIGO at the World Health Assembly
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics is proud to be a non-state actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). Members of FIGO’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team attend key governance meetings of the WHO, including the Executive Board and the World Health Assembly
FIGO attended the following meetings:
- WHO’s virtual 150th Executive Board in early 2022 to feed into discussions and provide the global voice for women’s health.
- 75th World Health Assembly online in May 2022.
- 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2023.
International fellowships and awards
FIGO grants a number of fellowships and awards each year. The breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and commitment among OBGYNs the world over is astonishing and acts as a constant source of inspiration for FIGO.
Read more about the recipients of our fellowships and awards by following the links below.
Navigate through this report using the links below.
