Opening Ceremony of FIGO 2000
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION of GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS: Washington DC, USA
by Terry DuBose, MS, OBGYN.net Ultrasound
The FIGO 2000 opening ceremony was a large and impressive event. It was a very contemporary multimedia show with sophisticated graphics and artistic performances. With six large projection screens as well as other smaller screens a constant evolution of elaborate graphics kept everyone’s attention. The master of ceremonies was a very intelligent Canadian TV anchorwoman who spoke several languages fluently, and whose name this attendee did not catch. She was able to smoothly announce all of the events of the evening in English, Spanish, and French.
The program was interspersed with entertainment by a symphony, an African-American gospel choir, and a wonderful interpretive modern dance. The dedication of FIGO to women’s issues and world peace was obvious as the speakers told of all the special projects that FIGO is pursuing around the world.
Awards were presented to many dedicated individuals from diverse cultures. Professor Lidija Andolsek (Slovenia) was recognized for her contribution to the professor and in particular to the FIGO Committee for the study of Ethical Aspects of Human Reproduction. Dr. Robert Edwards (UK) for his contribution to scientific achievements in reproductive medicine. Dr. Harold Kaminetzky (USA) for his commitment to FIGO and participation in committees and journal editing. Professor Allan Rosenfield (USA) for his contribution to the FIGO Manual for Human Reproduction and journal and committee work. Dr. Nafis Sadik (Pakistan) for her social contribution to women’s health, and Dr. Tomris Turmen (Turkey) for her social contribution to women’s health.
About the Congress
Every three years since FIGO was founded in 1954, thousands of gynecologists and obstetricians gather in one city to spend a week not only analyzing and discussing new medical discoveries but also looking at problems and issues that can be addressed by the application of low tech and low cost techniques. The site for the World Congress rotates between the following regions of the world: North America, Europe, Africa-Middle East, Latin America and Asia-Oceania. The site is selected six years in advance by a majority vote of the General Assembly.
The FIGO Congress Bureau is responsible for the policy aspects of all World Congresses whilst the practical aspects of organizing the 2000 Congress are dealt with by a dedicated FIGO 2000 Organizing Committee. The Congress Bureau also has a brief to investigate the feasibility of intermediate regional meetings, seminars or workshops according to perceived needs. Planning of the scientific programme for the Congress is delegated to the International Scientific Programme Committee.
The 2003 Congress is scheduled to take place in Santiago, Chile.