From 12–15 October, RANZCOG will proudly host the Asia & Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (AOFOG) 2026 Congress at the International Conference Centre in Sydney. This biennial event assembles women’s healthcare specialists from across the world and Asia–Oceania region.
In this feature, Professor Boon Lim, Deputy Chair of the AOFOG Organising Committee and Editor of O&G Magazine, speaks with Associate Professor Jared Watts, Organising Committee Chair, about what to expect from this landmark event – which, for one year only, substitutes the RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting.
For those who might not be aware, what is AOFOG and what is its connection to RANZCOG?
AOFOG was originally conceived in 1954, bringing together the region’s national bodies in a partnership to promote international collaboration, education, and advocacy. Today, AOFOG comprises 23 member associations, with almost all countries in the Asia-Pacific region represented. RANZCOG is an active member of AOFOG, contributing to – and benefiting from – this regional network through shared expertise, collaborative initiatives, and collective efforts to improve women’s health outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.
Why is RANZCOG hosting the 2026 AOFOG Congress?
The biennial Congress is hosted in rotation by AOFOG’s member organisations. RANZCOG successfully bid to host the Congress in 2026 to strengthen relationships with our counterparts and demonstrate leadership within the Asia-Oceania O&G community. The event is being coordinated by a local organising committee comprised of RANZCOG members and trainees – experts from across the spectrum of O&G – in collaboration with the College’s events team.
AOFOG presents an opportunity to advance the objectives under the College’s strategic priority of community and equity. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific are classified as low- or middle-income, and women and families in these countries face considerable health inequities. International collaboration between colleges and societies is vital to address these disparities, build capacity of the O&G workforce, and facilitate improvements throughout the region.
By convening more than 2,000 specialists, alongside policymakers, researchers, and industry partners, the meeting provides a platform to strengthen regional relationships and foster long-term partnerships – essential to extending the reach and impact of RANZCOG’s activities.
The meeting will also support the exchange of knowledge and innovation, enabling RANZCOG to spotlight advances in clinical practice, education, and training, while learning from neighbouring countries facing different health and equity challenges. In doing so, the 2026 AOFOG Congress will drive a more collaborative, equitable, and future-focused approach to women’s healthcare across the entire Asia-Oceania region.
What should RANZCOG members and trainees expect in Sydney?
This year’s Congress will be the largest O&G gathering held in the trans-Tasman region for decades, marking the return of AOFOG to Australia after over 40 years.
Delegates can expect a comprehensive scientific program and trade exhibition reflecting the full breadth and diversity of our specialty. The program features six concurrent streams across three days, with plenary sessions led by international and regional experts – more than 250 presentations designed to engage a wide range of interests and spark thoughtful, and at times challenging, discussion. We will also hear from emerging leaders through the Young Gynaecologist presentations.
This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from specialists from across the globe. We’ll learn about respectful maternity care in Bangladesh, how pelvic pain clinics are set up in South Korea, and how ultrasound is being used in the diagnosis of endometriosis in Taiwan. Other international leading organisations in women’s health from outside of the Asian regions will also participate, including FIGO, ACOG, SOGC, and RCOG.
There will be extensive CPD opportunities, including pre-Congress workshops, hands-on sessions, discussions, and simulation-based learning. Topics will span fetal surveillance, reproductive medicine, OASI, ultrasound, and urogynaecology. Trainees and early-career specialists can take advantage of dedicated sessions focused on education, skills development, and career progression.
Can you tell us more about the significance of this year’s theme, Equivolution: Equity and Sustainability in Women’s Health?
The theme Equivolution: Equity and Sustainability in Women’s Health reflects a call to rethink how we deliver and sustain care in a rapidly changing world. It unites two essential priorities: ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for all women and girls, and building healthcare systems that are resilient, adaptable, and sustainable.
This theme will be explored throughout the Congress. Sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations – though these remain critically important, particularly for our Pacific neighbours facing immediate climate-related challenges. It also encompasses the sustainability of our workforce, our communities, and the way we evolve clinical practice to meet future needs.
At the same time, equity will sit at the centre of our discussions. We will examine how to advance equity in education, leadership, and service delivery, and how to ensure that all individuals accessing obstetric and gynaecological care are supported both within healthcare systems and in their broader social contexts.
The program has been designed to support members and trainees in meeting their CAPE CPD requirements, with 19.5 hours in Addressing Health Inequities available over the course of the week.
Anything else you’d like to share?
My thanks to the AOFOG 2026 Local Organising Committee for their dedication and hard work over many months – an event of this scale is a significant undertaking, and it reflects a truly collective effort.
I’m particularly looking forward to showcasing Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as leaders in women’s healthcare, education, and research, while also creating space to learn from and alongside our regional colleagues. Hearing from and connecting with colleagues from across the region is crucial for expanding our clinical perspectives and will provide us with valuable insights to take back to our everyday practice.
For RANZCOG members and trainees, this Congress is a rare opportunity to engage with the breadth of our specialty on an international stage – right here at home. Beyond the scientific program, it’s a chance to build connections, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of women’s health across our region.
Learn more about AOFOG 2026.
