Making WONCA South Asia Region 2025 a Sustainable Conference

WONCA South Asia Conference 2025 promotes planetary health and sustainable development. The Conference Host Organising Committee has decided to adopt WONCA Planetary Health Equitable and Sustainable Events Policy in order to reduce carbon footprints and make the conference a green conference. The aim is to encourage environmentally friendly behaviours and to raise awareness on the importance of a healthy planet among the participants and colleagues around the world.

OUR PLANS

Conference Material

• All conference materials will be kept to minimum –we are trying go paperless in all the instances possible!
• No plastic badges will be provided at the registration – badges and lanyards will be eco-friendly, recyclable materials
• A reusable conference bag will be provided.
• The Conference programme and other signage will not be printed and will be available on the website, and digital displays.
• Conference abstract book, CPD certificates, posters will be in electronic mode as much as possible.
• Minimum eco-friendly decorations will be used.
• The stalls in the exhibition area will be advised to reduce printed material as much as possible and use QR codes or emails to give info about products.

Food

• Vegetarian/vegan options will be freely available.
• No red meat will be served.
• No fizzy drinks will be available at the function.
• All plates, cups, glasses will be reusable. No plastic or one-time use items available.
• No plastic water bottles -Water dispensers will be available in food halls and all meeting rooms.
• Steps will be taken to avoid food waste during the Conference.
• A special attention will be given to waste segregation.

Reduce travelling

• The venue is easily reachable by public transport.
• The speakers will be given accommodation in the same venue or within walking distance.
• It is being considered the possibility of allowing virtual participation at least for some sessions.

Promoting Sustainability

• A ‘Planetary Health’ day will be declared to sensitise the participants.
• A green stall will be in the exhibition area to make delegates aware.
• A series of talks/panel discussions/workshops will be organised on planetary health, sustainability.
• Programmes will be organised to promote healthy living (Yoga, health run/walk).
• A webinar series will be organised on planetary health targeting the conference.
• The regional WP on Planetary Health will be launched at the conference.

Post Conference Evaluation

• A complete audit will be carried out to review the success of the sustainability action plan of the conference.
• Lessons learnt will be presented.

How can you contribute?

WONCA SAR Conference 2025 encourages attendees to help reduce the environmental impact of their participation and promote sustainability by:

• Using sustainable travelling options to travel to the conference.
• Booking accessible accommodation closer to the conference (also see the accommodation options available on the website)
• Bringing own reusable coffee cup/tumbler if possible
• Using the Conference application and website (and not printing the programme)
• Avoiding the distribution of flyers/printed materials
• Being mindful about food wastage
• Supporting waste segregation protocols
• Attending the events promoting Planetary health and healthy living
• Bringing and wearing a green or blue dress to show your commitment to sustainability on the ‘Planetary Health Day’.