It is with enormous honour and pride that I take up the position of President of the International Society of Burn Injuries for the next two years. This is an exciting time for the Society, which is undergoing change, and it will be a real challenge to carry forward this evolution, which has been so ably guided by my predecessors.

The role of the ISBI as an NGO representing burn care in all areas of the world is clear. First, the Society must support those who deliver burn care – who form the great majority of our membership – by encouraging education and training and by providing a forum of knowledge and resources. The Biennial Scientific Congress remains the cornerstone of this endeavour. As well as providing a platform for the latest advances in burn related surgery and science, there is ample regard for the practicalities of burn medicine, nursing and rehabilitation. Thanks in no small part to the unstinting generosity of Dr. Haberal, our host, the wonderful 15th Congress in Istanbul included many delegates from less wealthy regions of the world, who highlighted the specific problems in delivering burn care in underdeveloped countries. To further encourage the emerging global perspective, the standing committees will be asked to focus especially on identifying the requirements and resources necessary to provide a decent standard of burn care for all. 

As an NGO, the ISBI is in an excellent position to influence decision makers in world health care. Burn injuries contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, especially in “lower and middle income Countries” (LMICs) and the adoption by the WHO of a resolution specifically on burn injuries remains a goal for the medium term. Success will depend on the raising of awareness among health ministers in all countries. Therefore, Regional Representatives, National Representatives and individual members of the Society should seize on every opportunity to advocate for standards in burn care at all levels. The WHO Department for the Prevention of Violence, Injuries and Disabilities (VIPD) is an important ally in this campaign, but success will depend on a concerted effort by us all. 

The two years leading up to the 16th ISBI Congress in Edinburgh, 2012, will pass all too quickly. The theme of the coming congress is “One World, One Standard of Burn Care”. I urge you all to put your mind to this topic. With your help, the Edinburgh Congress will be a truly memorable scientific forum, with an accent on progress towards universal access to decent burn care. Please come to the meeting.

I look forward to working with you all as the ISBI continues to develop as the international leader for research, education and advocacy in the field of burns. I will be delighted to meet you in Edinburgh. Follow the meeting progress on their web site www.isbi2012-edinburgh.org