As individuals and as a community, we can and should individually contribute to protecting the earth and its natural systems and resources and to sustaining the natural ecological balance of the ecosystem. Here is what we encourage you to do during the ESPID Meeting:

• Use the mobile app and the virtual platform (instead of printing) to inquire about the programme details
• Use more sustainable ways of traveling to and around Lisbon (take the train instead of a flight; ride a bike or walk instead of taxi)
• Reduce the waste you generate and separate disposal
• Opt for reusable mugs and bottles

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Our top priority is to make high-quality education available to our community. Our goals include eliminating educational gaps between genders; providing more accessible conference options; and enhancing the quality of the scientific programme.

What we are doing in 2023:

• Workshops for early career professionals (Walter Marget Workshop, ESPID Research Masterclass)
• Sessions On Demand – The recorded ESPID sessions are available to all participants for 3 months after the conference dates, allowing attendees to catch up on any learnings they missed during the Meeting, or re-watch important presentations and discussions.
• Awards Supporting Participation – We provide opportunities for waived Conference registration and additional financial support towards attendance.
• Interactive Meet-the-Expert Sessions with audience participation (voting, etc.) and presentation of a case series.
• Presentations of clinical and laboratory findings from applied research that encourage audience participation
• Special keynote presentations delivered by a large number of internationally renowned experts covering the full spectrum of paediatric infectious diseases.
• Virtual Conference Alternative – Although we are preparing a true celebration of the community, with lots of learning and networking opportunities for everyone joining us in Lisbon, we are aware that not everyone can afford to travel and take full advantage of ESPID. Therefore, we introduced the more accessible virtual alternative, where everyone can be part of the conference – at lower rates, from wherever they are in the world.

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

We ensure nondiscrimination and equality for committee members, presenters, and invited speakers.

What we are doing in 2023:

• Aim for and monitor gender equality and nondiscrimination among our delegates, presenters, and committee members. 
• Make our meeting a welcoming, inclusive space for people of all ages, genders, and abilities. 
• Promote more women in committee positions related to the event.
• Create a programme that features diverse topics and speakers from various backgrounds and experiences.

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

We recognise the environmental impact that large-scale events like ESPID can have, so sustainable production and consumption are one of our top priorities in organising the ESPID 2023 Meeting. We are working with our suppliers to ensure maximum positive change.

What we are doing in 2023:

• A mini-program will be printed, and the Meeting Virtual Platform will feature more and better content.
• E-Posters instead of printed Poster Boards: easy to use and available both at the venue and on your device.​
• We are limiting printed promotional materials for ESPID in favour of digital alternatives.
• We encourage all of our exhibitors to participate in this initiative by reducing single-use giveaways at their booths.
• Delegate badge collection and recycling at the end of the event
  
• To reduce food waste at the Meeting, we collect lunch requests from attendees in advance.

Official SDG website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment