Good morning, distinguished speakers, honored guests, colleagues, and friends,

It is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome you all to the 9th World Congress on Vascular Access. Whether you have traveled across the City or across continents, your presence here today reflects a shared commitment to advancing patient care, improving outcomes, and shaping the future of vascular access.

To our international guests—welcome. Your willingness to journey from different parts of the world brings a richness of perspective that is essential to progress in our field of expertise. The diversity of experience, practice, and innovation represented today in this room is not just inspiring—it is necessary. It reminds us that while healthcare systems may greatly differ, our ultimate goal is universal: safe, effective, and patient-centered care.

To our esteemed faculty and speakers—thank you. You are the driving force behind the knowledge exchange that will take place over the coming days. Your expertise, research, and clinical insights are what make this congress not only relevant, but transformative. You challenge us to thinkcritically, to question existing practices, and to push the boundaries of what is possible.

And to all attendees—clinicians, researchers, educators, and our industry partners—thank you for being here. Your engagement, curiosity, and dedication are what give this congress its energy and purpose. This is more than a conference; it is a community. A place where ideas are shared, collaborations are formed, and innovation is sparked.

As we gather for this 9th iteration of WoCoVA, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. Over the years, this congress has grown into a global platform for advancing vascular access practice. It has been a space where evidence meets experience, where technology meets clinical need, and where education translates into real-world impact.
Yet, as much progress as we have made, the work is far from done. We continue to face challenges—clinical variability, complications, resource limitations, and rapidly evolving patient needs. But within thesechallenges lie opportunities. Opportunities to innovate, to standardize best practices, to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and to ensure that every patient, regardless of where they are in the world, receives the highest standard of care.

Over the next few days, you will hear from leaders in the field, explore emerging technologies, and engage in discussions that will shape the future of vascular access. I encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity—ask questions, share your experiences, challenge ideas, and connect with one another.

Some of the most valuable moments of this congress will not just happen in lecture halls, but in conversations—in hallways, over coffee, and during informal exchanges. It is often in these moments that new ideas are born and lasting collaborations begin.

This congress is also a reminder of the importance of continuous learning. Medicine does not stand still, and neither can we. By coming together in this way, we reaffirm our commitment to staying at the forefront of knowledge and practice, and ultimately, to improving the lives of the patients we serve.

As we officially open the 9th WoCoVA, let us do so with a sense of purpose and collaboration. Let us be open to new ideas, respectful of differing perspectives, and united in our shared mission.

Once again, welcome. We are truly honored to have you here, and we look forward to an engaging, inspiring, and impactful congress. Thank you very much.