Embracing Sustainability

IFSO-EC 2026 congress is committed to integrating sustainable conference practices and initiatives that go beyond slogans and result in useful achievements.

We firmly believe that we all have a part to play in preserving our future for generations to come, both locally and across the globe.

Therefore, we are organizing our congress with sustainability in mind – for our planet and environment, as well as for everyone involved with the event: from the organizing team and committees, through our partner chain, all the way to the delegates we welcome.

IFSO-EC 2026 and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also known as the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work towards achieving by the year 2030. They set out a vision for a world free from poverty, hunger and disease.

We want to do our part to promote the achievement of these goals in our own value chain. The SDGs that we support and work towards are:

Contributions You Can Make as a Delegate:

As individuals and as a community, we can and should individually contribute to protecting the earth and its natural systems and resources and to sustaining the natural ecological balance of the ecosystem. Here is what we encourage you to do during the congress:

  • Use the mobile app (instead of printing) to inquire about the program details
  • Reduce the waste you generate and separate disposal
  • Do not print booking confirmations and boarding passes; instead, provide digital copies of these documents.
  • Provide an alternative to business cards – QR codes to LinkedIn or e-card
  • Opt for reusable mugs and bottles
  • Learn more about the city and their own sustainability program (in Spanish).
SDG 3
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 

We are introducing several dedicated initiatives aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, while enjoying being together with the community during IFSO-EC26.

What we are doing in 2026:

  • Healthy coffee break options, meat less, vegetarian lunch options – continuing our approach to more healthier food options.
  • Culinary session to learn how to eat better.
  • Fun run as a way to promote both individual and collective wellness, movement and healthy lifestyle habits within our professional community among participants in a relaxed and inclusive setting.
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Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Our top priority is to make high-quality education available to our community. Our goals include eliminating educational gaps between genders; providing more accessible conference options; and enhancing the quality of the scientific program.

What we are doing in 2026:

  • We provide opportunities to support healthcare professionals’ participation in the conference. These initiatives help ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education, promoting inclusivity and equity in learning opportunities.
  • Education-focused workshops for early-career professionals.
  • Presentations of clinical and laboratory findings from applied research that encourage audience participation.
  • Diverse scientific program comprised of keynote sessions featuring invited speakers and panels, oral presentations of high-scored peer-reviewed abstracts.
SDG_5
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

We are committed to fostering inclusivity through a gender-balanced and diverse faculty, reflecting our dedication to equal representation and opportunities for all.

SDG 11
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable

We actively integrate environmental and social responsibility into our event planning, working to ensure our conferences contribute positively to both the host community and the planet.

What we are doing in 2026:

  • Recycling stations are available in all public areas to encourage responsible waste management and reduce landfill impact.
  • We collaborate with a conference center aligned with our vision of minimizing our environmental and societal impact, learn more here.
  • Accommodation options are offered directly at the venue to minimise the need for transportation, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a more eco-friendly experience.
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Responsible Consumption & Production

We are taking meaningful steps to reduce waste and promote more efficient use of resources throughout our events, embracing practices that prioritise sustainability without compromising the participant experience.

What we are doing in 2026:

  • Promoting paperless technology by promoting the mobile app over printed programs and promotional materials
  • Working closely with our venue and catering partners to minimise food waste through thoughtful planning and portion control.
  • Prioritising the use of reusable materials wherever possible.
  • Encouraging exhibitors to use reusable or recyclable booth materials to reduce environmental impact.
  • We prioritise local suppliers and low-waste catering options wherever possible.