OPENING REMARKS

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the World Congress of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology/World Congress for Bronchoesophagology (WCBIP/WCBE) in Conjunction with the 17^th National Congress of Indonesian Society of Respirology (ISR), it is my great pleasure to invite you to join us in Bali, Indonesia for the upcoming the 23^rd Congress of the WCBIP/WCBE, October 23^rd – 25^th , 2024 organized by WABIP, Indonesia Society of Bronchoscopy, and Indonesian Society of Respirology.

World Congress of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology/ World Congress for Bronchoesophagology (WCBIP/WCBE) in Conjunction with 17^th National Congress of Indonesian Society of Respirology will convene about 1000 participants from Indonesia and 500 participants from all around the world. This meeting will be attended by the expert in the field of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. Furthermore, in National Congress of Indonesian Society of Respirology will be attended by the expert in pulmonology infection, thoracic oncology, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and also interstitial lung diseases. In this meeting, we are developing an attractive programme with enhanced scientific and educational sessions to explore the latest developments, medical advances and breakthrough in the management of pulmonology and respiratory illness. Recognizing the value of closer industry cooperation, this congress will also provide opportunities for meaningful engagements between you and key opinion leaders, high prescribers, and other respiratory medicine professionals.

WCBIP/WCBE and ISR National Congress 2024 thus represents an opportunity to improve your knowledge with a captive medical community. Also will you can find more information on strategic opportunities to gain valuable facetime with expert and to achieve the depth of scientific exchange. We look forward to meet you in our endeavors to promote clinical excellence in the field of respiratory medicine.

Yours Sincerely,

Dear Colleagues,

The World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology has traveled a long road, defining and being defined by the history of bronchology procedures themselves. This organization, formerly known as the “World Association for Bronchology” (WAB), was established in Japan in 1978 by Dr. Shigeto Ikeda, a Japanese thoracic surgeon and bronchologist. Dr. Ikeda was responsible for the creation of the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope in the late 1960s and was the first Chair of the Association.

Thanks to the development of bronchoscopy and related techniques, which have become essential in the diagnostic-therapeutic pathways of many respiratory pathologies, the WAB grew with the involvement of many colleagues from different parts of the world. The work of the various Chairs who succeeded Dr. Ikeda (Hirokuni Yoshimura, Udaya Prakash, Pablo Diaz Jimenez, Hiroaki Osada, Henri Colt, Zsolt Papai, Silivia Quadrelli, and Hideo Saka) was fundamental to this growth.

In 2010-2012, the name of the organization was changed to the “World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology” (WABIP) to include not only bronchoscopy but also all the procedures (e.g., thoracoscopy, pleural drainage, esophageal procedures) within the realm of Interventional Pulmonology.

With more than 10,000 members from over 60 countries, WABIP is now the leading medical organization in the field of Interventional Pulmonology.

The next WABIP Congress will be held in Bali, Indonesia, from October 23-25, 2024.

Thanks to the great efforts of the Congress President, Prof. Menaldi Rasmin, and his team, the program will be extremely stimulating and interesting.

As the theme of the Congress states, it will be a “magical blend of learning: science, culture, and nature.” It will be a unique opportunity to meet mentors and colleagues, discuss and learn about the most recent and advanced techniques in Interventional Pulmonology, discuss expert clinical cases, and practice in various workshops and postgraduate courses.

It will be a wonderful moment to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and create a network among people from all over the world who are passionate about and dedicated to Interventional Pulmonology.

Don’t miss this magical opportunity. With your contribution, the Bali Congress will be another significant moment of growth for Interventional Pulmonology and our Association.

Thank you for joining us, thank you for contributing to the growth of WABIP, and welcome to Bali 2024.