Sustainability in endoscopic medical congresses and courses: Position Statement from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates.

Medical conferences and educational courses in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy are essential for training, quality improvement, and scientific exchange, but they are also associated with a substantial environmental footprint, largely driven by travel-related greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. While sustainability in endoscopic practice has gained increasing attention, the environmental impact of endoscopy congresses and courses has remained insufficiently addressed. This document outlines the official position of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA). An international multidisciplinary panel of experts conducted a systematic literature review, expert narrative appraisal where evidence was limited, and an iterative Delphi consensus process. The resulting recommendations address key domains of conference organization, including event conception, scientific program design, transportation and participation models, faculty selection, venue and accommodation, catering, waste reduction, training formats, and collaboration with industry partners. Emphasis is placed on promoting virtual and hybrid conference formats, low-emission travel options, sustainable venues and catering, and the systematic measurement and transparent reporting of environmental impact. This ESGE-ESGENA Position Statement provides practical, consensus-based, evidence-informed guidance to support GI endoscopy societies, conference organizers, industry partners, and participants in reducing the environmental impact of endoscopy-related educational activities while preserving their scientific and educational quality.