Deepening China–WEO partnerships to shape global endoscopy
The 23rd Beijing International Digestive Disease Forum (BIDDF) was successfully held on June 12–14, 2026, in Beijing. As a premier global platform, the Forum showcased China’s transition from independent exploration to a leading force in digestive disease management.
Strong WEO backing and deepening alliances
A defining highlight of BIDDF 2026 was the robust support from the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO). WEO President Lars Aabakken, Past President Jean-François Rey, Past Secretary-General Dong Wan Seo, and Senior Project Consultant Laura Schleser-Low attended onsite, while President-Elect Asadur Jorge Tchekmedyian delivered a virtual keynote highlighting WEO’s global colorectal cancer (CRC) screening initiatives. The WEO leadership highly commended the forum's elite academic standard, emphasizing that WEO's long-standing partnership with Chinese peers has successfully driven international endoscopic standardization and innovation.
Key collaborative highlights
- Historic launch of the WEO-ERCP Training Academy (China): In a landmark milestone for international medical education, the WEO leadership and the Beijing Friendship Hospital officially unveiled in Beijing, WEO’s first-ever dedicated ERCP training project in China, marking a significant step forward in international standardized training. Special thanks are given to Viestar (Suzhou) for supporting this program.
- WEO Premium ADEC Course: The Advanced Digestive Endoscopy Course (ADEC) was held successfully, featuring high-impact lectures and interactive quizzes. Led by Professors Aabakken and Rey, the course empowered clinicians with image-enhanced endoscopy techniques for early cancer detection.
- Cutting-edge live demonstrations: On June 12, a high-profile livestream featured 10 world-class endoscopic procedures. While international clinical teams, including expert teams from Professor Aabakken's and Professor Seo's renowned centers, demonstrated top-tier operations, Professors Aabakken, Seo, and Rey personally moderated the sessions, facilitating deep technical exchanges.
- China–Africa Digestive Health Forum: Fostering substantive regional synergy, this session brought together experts from China, Egypt, France, Norway, and Singapore. Co-chaired by Laura Schleser-Low and summarized by Professor Aabakken, the Forum delivered pragmatic outcomes focused on equipment affordability and bilateral talent exchanges.
- Sino–Foreign Young Gastroenterologists Forum: Chaired by Professors Lars Aabakken, Shutian Zhang, and Peng Li, this vibrant session featured an overview from Professor Aabakken of WEO’s global collaboration and talent training programs. Rising global scholars actively debated frontline breakthroughs, including AI image recognition in subspecialties and the clinical translation of advanced biomaterials (hydrogels and absorbable stents).
- The 2nd "International Friendship Cup" Case Competition: Supported by the Yu Zhonglin Foundation, this elite competition brought together 15 exceptional young physicians from over 10 premier global centers. Overseen by an eminent international jury including Professors Rey and Seo, the event selected 6 winners, awarding them international training opportunities that will connect young clinicians’ networks.
Looking forward
The immense success of BIDDF 2026 underscores the power of global solidarity in healthcare. By connecting WEO’s global network with China’s clinical innovations, the Forum continues to pave the way for safer, highly standardized, and accessible patient care worldwide.
Live demonstrations on June 12. Professor Aabakken moderates the operation streamed from Norway
Opening ceremony on June 13. WEO members attended on site or virtually
Upper panel: Plaque-unveiling ceremony for the WEO-ERCP Training Academy (China). Lower panel: The ADEC session
China–Africa Digestive Health Forum
Sino–Foreign Young Gastroenterologists Forum and the 2nd "International Friendship Cup" Case Competition
