WELCOME MESSAGE

On behalf of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD), it is with great joy and honor that I invite you to the 52nd Annual ISPAD Conference, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 4–7, 2026.

This will be the first time the Congress takes place in Brazil, and we are deeply grateful to ISPAD for entrusting us with this privilege and responsibility.

Our motto, “A Journey to the New World of Pediatric Diabetes,” reflects both the scientific and cultural spirit of this meeting.

Scientifically, our conference will highlight the remarkable evolution – the journey – of knowledge in our field that has brought us to this moment. We are now living in a “new world” where precision medicine is transforming the management of pediatric diabetes and long-held paradigms are being redefined. Together, we will explore advances such as the possibility of delaying or preventing type 1 diabetes, innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in the young, new insights into monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis–related diabetes, and we will give special attention to cutting-edge technologies for monitoring and treating type 1 diabetes. Equally important, we will examine how these innovations can be matched with equity and access – ensuring that no child is left behind.

Culturally, Brazil is a country shaped by journeys that have molded our people and our identity. Over the centuries, Indigenous peoples came together with immigrants from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. These encounters created a rich tapestry of traditions and origins—so much so that our population is often described in scientific literature as an “admixed population.” The result is a culture of diversity and inclusion, expressed through our music, our cuisine, our language, and, above all, the warmth and hospitality of our people. In many ways, these historic journeys mirror what our Conference represents: colleagues from all corners of the globe uniting to share knowledge, build friendships, and strengthen our community.
The discovery of the “New World” in 1500 was a daring journey into the unknown. Today, your journey to Brazil will be much easier – just a single overnight flight to Rio! You will find a city that offers a wide range of attractions, from the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã), designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, to music – from Bossa Nova to the rhythms of Carnival; from colonial architecture in the historic city center to a gentle walk along Copacabana or Ipanema beach. You will discover a country full of creativity and energy, a community eager to learn and share, all set against the breathtaking landscape of Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City.”

On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, I warmly invite you not to miss this unique opportunity. It is your presence that will give this meeting its true meaning. Join us in Rio in November 2026 to experience the science, the culture, and the friendships that will make this ISPAD Conference truly unforgettable.