Wednesday, July 3, 2024 Securing the World Congress of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (WCPGHAN) for 2028 was a collaborative effort involving local, national, and international teams, marking the first time Australia will host this event. The congress is set to draw over 2,000 participants to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, managed by ASM Global, from June 6 to 10, 2028. Leading the charge was Professor Nikhil Thapar, Director of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant Services at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
He also heads the paediatric section of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia and the Gastrointestinal Motility Subcommittee for the event’s organizing body, the Asia Pan-Pacific Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. The congress, which convenes every four years, will follow the 7th World Congress scheduled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December 2024. Professor Thapar leveraged his extensive European networks and a persuasive case developed with the joint efforts of Australia and New Zealand, supported by BCEC’s bid management and further backing from Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
His argument highlighted Australia’s leadership in the field, the educational needs of the Asia Pacific region, especially in less developed countries, and Brisbane’s proven capability in hosting major medical congresses. Professor Thapa.
