Diversity & Inclusion

DRAFT CONTENT

Our Commitment

IFOS 2030 is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive and globally representative congress, guided by the theme “Serving Tomorrow’s World Today.” Our approach ensures that every aspect of the event is designed to promote equity, diversity, and meaningful participation from all regions and backgrounds.

Inclusive Practices

1. Structural Equity, Not Symbolic:
   • Open-access content delivery, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
   • Mandatory LMIC co-chairs in National Society Sessions and guaranteed LMIC representation in key programme elements.
   • Gender parity in speaker line-ups and session chairs, with published gender balance data.
   • Early-career and trainee inclusion, with >30% of free paper sessions reserved for trainees or early-career professionals.
2. Hybrid and Multilingual Access:
   • Hybrid sessions enable virtual attendance, with free online access for registered Young-IFOS members (<35 years) in defined low-resource settings.
   • Real-time captioning and translation from English into French and Spanish, with plans to expand to additional languages.
3. Patient and Community Voice:
   • Patient representation on every Hot Line panel and dedicated sessions for patient and community perspectives.
   • The “Declaration of Tomorrow” is shaped and ratified by delegates from all 140 member nations, ensuring global consensus and accountability.
4. Accessible Participation:
   • Visa and travel support, including guidance and advocacy for delegates from all nationalities, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
   • London’s infrastructure ensures accessibility for all, with inclusive venue design and support services.

Frameworks for Equitable International Participation

• Global Fellowship Programme: 52 international fellowships (13 annually) for observerships in UK NHS hospitals, prioritising applicants from diverse backgrounds and regions.
• Session Design: Eight session types, including National Society Sessions with mandatory LMIC co-chairs, and Innovation Hubs evaluated through an LMIC-first lens.
• Binding Commitments: The congress concludes with the live ratification of the “Declaration of Tomorrow,” a set of binding commitments on workforce equity, open-access science, sustainability, data sharing, borderless education, and youth leadership.
• Prizes for Equity: The Global Patient Prize recognises the best paper on equity, access, or LMIC-relevant innovation, incentivising impactful contributions.

London as a Model for Diversity

London’s multicultural environment, with over 300 languages spoken and a proven record of hosting inclusive global events, provides an ideal setting for a congress that values diversity and accessibility. The city’s infrastructure, visa accessibility, and cultural openness ensure that all delegates feel welcome and supported.

Lasting Legacy

The IFOS 2030 legacy extends beyond the congress, establishing permanent, open-access digital education platforms, launching the IFOS Green ENT Charter for sustainable practice, and inspiring the next generation of global ENT leaders through outreach and mentorship.