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 President of the International Diabetes Federation, along with a new Board elected by IDF’s 245 members across 160 countries.

The Congress will celebrate and honour the legacy of my predecessor, Prof Akhtar Hussain, who tragically passed away in July 2024. Akhtar worked tirelessly to enhance global advocacy, improve diabetes care, and make a real difference for people living with diabetes, particularly those in low and middle-income countries. I call upon our community to come together in Bangkok, united in our mission and inspired by his legacy.

It will be a significant occasion for our community as 2025 will mark our 75^th 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 27^th 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 finalising 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. Our unity is our strength, and together, we can continue the work that our late President started and, as a united community, turn his vision into action.

Prof Peter Schwarz
President, International Diabetes Federation