DiaLeb marked a strong presence at the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand! With a vibrant booth, multiple speaking engagements, and several posters presented, our team actively contributed to global discussions, showcasing our commitment to diabetes prevention, advocacy, education, and research.
The congress began with a productive General Assembly meeting led by president Prof. Peter Egbert Schwarz, and we proudly congratulate the new elected board including our DiaLeb President Dr. Jackie Kassouf Maalouf for her reelection for another 2-year term as non-healthcare Vice President for IDF. Congratulations to Dr. Niti Pall on her election as President-elect 👏
Additionally, we were thrilled to have a Young Leader in Diabetes represent us.
Read through for updates about the congress and our involvement.
DiaLeb team is grateful to have connected with passionate advocates, dedicated leaders, and incredible organizations from around the world — all united by a shared mission, to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Young Leader in Diabetes
Pedro Derjani, represented Lebanon and DiaLeb and shares: “I am grateful to the International Diabetes Federation for building this powerful community and uniting people from all over the world with different backgrounds and stories, but one shared reality: living with diabetes! Insulin is a right. Yet in many countries, including Lebanon, many people still do not have access to insulin. For people with type 1 diabetes, this is not just a challenge, it is a threat to their lives. We need stronger support systems and better healthcare policies to ensure insulin and essential diabetes supplies are available and affordable for everyone. Together we can make our voices louder and work towards accessible & affordable diabetes care.”
YLD Training: Storytelling and Interacting with Media to Advance Advocacy
Our very own, Christine Maalouf, led a workshop as part of the Young Leaders in Diabetes program. With 59 incredible participants from 45 countries, she discussed how personal narratives and strategic media engagement can drive meaningful change in the diabetes community.
Sessions:
Dr. Jackie Maalouf discussed Perspective of Diabetes Self Management and Support-DSMES on the “Peer Education Strategies” panel alongside distinguished speakers. Education and integrated care are essential in the treatment of diabetes and DSMES is pivotal given its multiple evidence-based benefits on the physical, mental, and overall wellbeing and health.
Sylvie Maalouf, co-founder of DiaLeb and Managing director discussed her latest policy work in Qatar: insights on how to develop national blueprints for multi sectoral policy approaches to diabetes prevention and care.
IDF-WDF Hybrid Symposium on Access to Diabetes Care
Moderated by Dr. Jackie Maalouf, VP IDF and President DiaLeb, and Mr. Bent Lautrup-Nielsen, Head of Global Advocacy, World Diabetes Foundation (WDF); the event discussed good practices using country examples of civil society involvement in implementing national diabetes/NCD programs. The event touched upon the translation of the Global Diabetes Compact into national workstreams and outline key priorities for the global diabetes community in the run-up to the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
This collaboration between IDF, WDF, and WHO proved to be a great success—paving the way for many more impactful collaborations to come, all in support of people living with diabetes around the world.
Meeting with American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association has been a leader in diabetes advocacy and education with so many synergies to our work and mission at DiaLeb. It was a great pleasure to meet with the President of ADA, during the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress, to exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.
We’ve returned more enthusiastic than ever, filled with energy and a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by brilliant minds from around the world, we continue to work towards our mission and creating meaningul impact for the community.
