ISGE has been able to successfully continue on its path in 2023. As always in life with ups and downs. Our congress in Bali was a great success and thanks to intensive work, the accreditations are also progressing. In a time of global upheaval, conflict an d the threat of climate change, it is still important that we as a community of physicians continue to dedicate ourselves to our goal, unfazed by the external circumstances.

Medical education or medical care should be a basic human right. Unfortunately, we are still a long way from that. Unfortunately, states are too often  preoccupied with their strategic interests, so billions of people continue to lack operational care. The medical industry has not yet adapted to the needs of
large parts of the world. This requires simple solutions that can be produced locally. Medical technology must be implemented in the countries because it takes too long to procure from the developed cou ntries, corruption eats up money and is ultimately too expensive.

I am sure that talent and knowledge are plentiful all over the world. Therefore, there is a need for projects that enable medical products and technology to be manufactured locally. This is where governments and industry are called upon. Otherwise, our eff orts to trace doctors remain only a very small contribution, as sustainability is lacking.

As doctors, we can impart knowledge and training, but our colleagues need tools that are always available and can be used even in difficult areas of their countries. The high standards and guidelines in industrialized countries make the products more expen sive, to such an extent that in many countries they cannot be financed or are only available to a very small group. As doctors, we have little influence, but we should use every option to advocate for these goals as well.

ISGE will continue to work on its mission of education in 2024 as a community of international physicians and to make medicine available to more people. Anyone who supports us in this goal is welcome.

Happy New Year on behalf of the Editorial Board

Günter Noé