Sustainability

Embracing Sustainability for a Better Future

We’re committed to making a positive impact on our planet. We believe that by prioritizing sustainability, we can contribute to a better future for everyone. Join us in our efforts to embrace sustainability and make a difference. Together, we can take small steps towards a greener event and inspire others to do the same. Let’s come together and create a more environmentally conscious and responsible conference experience at IGCS 2023.

IGCS and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also called the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work toward achieving by 2030. They set out a plan for a world without poverty, hunger, and disease. We want to contribute to the achievement of these objectives in our value chain. We support and work toward the following SDGs.

Please click the icons below to view the IGCS initiatives corresponding to each goal.

Contributions You Can Make as an IGCS Delegate:

As individuals and as a community, we can and should individually contribute to protecting the earth and its natural systems and resources and to sustaining the natural ecological balance of the ecosystem. Here is what we encourage you to do during the IGCS Meeting:

Use the mobile app and the virtual platform (instead of printing) to inquire about the programme details
Use more sustainable ways of traveling to and around Seoul (take the train instead of a flight; ride a bike or walk instead of taxi)
Reduce the waste you generate and separate disposal
Opt for reusable mugs and bottles

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

We are introducing several dedicated IGCS initiatives, aiming to promote healthy lifestyle, while enjoying being together with the community.

What we are doing in 2023:

Convening global top leaders and participants in Seoul to address the challenge of cancer elimination to improve health and well-being worldwide
Wellness program introducing participants to the Korean flavor
Healthy options for coffee breaks

Reduced Inequalities

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

What we are doing in 2023:

Reduced registration fees for low-resource countries
Gender diverse and balanced faculty to ensure inclusivity and diverse perspectives
Creating a welcoming and accepting environment for all participants, regardless of sex, gender, nationality, race, color, age, or physical disability

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

We recognise the environmental impact that large-scale events like IGCS can have, so sustainable production and consumption are one of our top priorities in organizing the IGCS 2023 Meeting. We are working with our suppliers to ensure maximum positive change.

What we are doing in 2023:

Utilizing technology to avoid paper usage. Advertising, certificates, program, etc… will only be available in pdf, use of QR codes, mobile app
Promoting hotels within walking distance to delegates to minimize transportation resources and reduce environmental impact
Minimizing waste generation by controlling the number of attendees to avoid waste and unnecessary leftovers
Encouraging the use of water fountains instead of single-use plastic

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and mitigating the impact of our event on climate change.

What we are doing in 2023:

By conducting most of the congress organization meetings virtually, we are actively contributing to reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel
Choosing Seoul as the conference city due to its communications to reducing the carbon footprint of travel
The on-demand sessions access reduces the impact of participant travel
Utilizing daylight to illuminate activities and program sessions helps reduce energy generation for artificial lighting
Selecting COEX as a sustainable venue due to renewable energy initiatives and promoting sustainable practices (click here to see COEX’s initiatives)

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

At IGCS 2023, we understand the power of partnerships in making a lasting impact.

What we are doing in 2023:

Collaborating with exhibitors to offer sustainable exhibition booth options fosters partnerships and joint efforts towards achieving sustainable development goals, encouraging collective action for a more sustainable future
Encouraging a circular economy by donating and reusing conference materials, fostering partnerships and collaborative efforts towards sustainable development

Official SDG website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment