In light of the continuing uncertainty about the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on travel restrictions and physical distancing requirements throughout 2020, the SIOP Board of Directors has decided to hold the 2020 Congress as an entirely virtual meeting (October 14-17). The planned scientific programme will be maintained with some modifications to accommodate the change in format. Most keynote speaker, symposia and meet the expert sessions will continue as originally planned. Most speakers will be present in real time, thus allowing participants to ask questions. SIOP meeting attendees will have the opportunity to present their research through oral and poster presentations and to hear the latest updates. The abstract reviews are underway and SIOP is confident that we will offer a strong scientific programme, including many opportunities to learn, share, network and interact with our sponsors. As part of the 2020 Congress, the Education Day, Young Investigator Day, PODC Sessions, and the sessions conducted by Nursing, Pediatric Psycho-oncology (PPO), the Pediatric Surgeons (IPSO), and the Pediatric Radiotherapists (PROS) will also be conducted virtually with slight modifications. In addition, SIOP plans to conduct virtually the Industry Sponsored Symposia, the Exhibition and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), as originally planned. Further programme and setup details will be announced in due course. We are updating our registration fee structure and thus pausing the registration temporarily until the new fee structure is ready. As SIOP’s mission continues to focus on the global advancement of children with cancer and their families, our interest in the health and well-being of our members, many of whom are front-line providers, cannot be overstated.

The current pandemic is highlighting and widening inequities in health systems globally. Effectively tackling COVID-19 and its repercussions requires a comprehensive, coordinated global response. We welcome the recognition of key vulnerable groups including those with pre-existing conditions like cancer and other NCDs within the proposed resolution on the global COVID-19 response.