World Cancer Leaders’ Summit: Destination Kazakhstan

The event is known as the ‘World Cancer Leaders’ Summit’ and provides an important platform to develop a coordinated and effective response to the global cancer epidemic which claimed approximately 9.6 million lives in 20181.

This year’s World Cancer Leaders’ Summit will take place from 15 – 17 October in Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan. It will be hosted by the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (KazlOR).

“We are delighted to have the Summit in our country”, said the Director General of Kazlor Dilyara Kaidarova during a meeting with a UICC team in Nur-Sultan this week. “I am looking forward to solution-oriented discussions that will help guide the fight against cancer in Kazakhstan and in many countries around the world.”

Approximately 350 global influencers and leaders in cancer control and public health from across governments, UN agencies, academia, non-profit organisations and the private sector are expected to make their way to Nur-Sultan this October.

This year’s event will focus on the importance of including cancer services in Universal Health Coverage. More concretely, participants will discuss ways to ensure that effective early detection measures are put in place, that equity in access to cancer is achieved and that the right priorities are set as part of the progressive realisation of Universal Health Coverage.

“The agenda is demanding and inspiring”, explained Jessica Mathieu, Head of Congress and Events at UICC. “We want to provide participants with fresh perspectives and new insights and at the same time harness their collective intelligence. Feedback about past summits has always been very positive.”

It is the first time, that the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit takes place in Kazakhstan and in the region. Kazakhstan is a republic in Central Asia, south of Russia, with a population of over 17 million people. The capital Nur-Sultan, formerly called Astana, is known for its stunning and futuristic architecture.

Participation in the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit is only possible by invitation. Find out more about the event here.

1. https://www.who.int/cancer/PRGlobocanFinal.pdf