Sustainability
WCN 2025 is committed to promoting sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of the congress. We believe every small step counts in creating a healthier planet—aligned with our mission to advance neurological health worldwide.
WCN and the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also called the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work toward achieving by 2030. They set out a plan for a world without poverty, hunger, and disease. We want to contribute to the achievement of these objectives in our value chain. We support and work toward the following SDGs.
Promoting well-being through global collaboration and shared experiences
At WCN 2025, we’re committed to advancing global brain health and fostering a culture of well-being for all.
Our actions in 2025:
- Hosting a high-level international congress in Seoul that addresses critical challenges in neurology and promotes strategies for improved health outcomes worldwide
- Introducing wellness initiatives that immerse participants in Korean culture and encourage a balanced, healthy lifestyle during the congress
- Providing healthy food and beverage options throughout the meeting to support participant well-being
Fostering equity and inclusivity across the global neurology community
We believe that every voice in neurology matters, regardless of background or geography.
Our actions in 2025:
- Offering reduced registration fees for participants from low- and middle-income countries
- Ensuring a gender-balanced, diverse faculty to reflect global perspectives
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, irrespective of gender, nationality, race, age, or ability.
Making sustainability a priority in how we plan and deliver WCN 2025
We recognize the environmental impact of large events and take proactive steps to minimize waste and overconsumption.
Our actions in 2025:
- Going paperless: using digital tools like QR codes, a mobile app, and digital certificates to reduce printed materials
- Promoting walking-distance accommodations to minimize transport emissions
- Carefully managing food orders and delegate numbers to reduce waste
- Encouraging the use of refillable water stations and eliminating single-use plastics
Reducing our carbon footprint with every decision we make
We are taking meaningful steps to limit the environmental impact of WCN 2025.
Our actions in 2025:
- Conducting planning meetings virtually to reduce travel emissions
- Selecting Seoul and the COEX venue for their sustainability practices and infrastructure
- Offering on-demand session access to reduce the need for travel
- Utilizing natural daylight and energy-efficient setups during the event
Building impactful partnerships to amplify our reach and results
Sustainability requires collaboration. At WCN 2025, we’re engaging partners who share our values.
Our actions in 2025:
- Working with exhibitors to provide eco-friendly booth options
- Donating and reusing materials to support a circular economy
- Encouraging exhibitors and suppliers to adopt sustainable practices as part of our collective effort
Our Sustainable Venue
COEX Convention & Exhibition Center is committed to green operations and sustainability. Key features include:
- ISO 14001 certification for environmental management
- Excellent public transportation access
- In-house recycling and waste management systems
What We’re Doing
We’ve taken the following measures to reduce the congress footprint:
- Printed Materials Reduction: No mini program book will be printed. All program details are accessible via the WCN 2025 Mobile App and website.
- E-Posters: Digital e-poster stations reduce the need for printed scientific materials.
- Sustainable Giveaways: Eco-conscious materials for badges and lanyards.
- Catering Choices: Preference for locally sourced, seasonal, and vegetarian options during coffee breaks and social events.
Travel & Accommodation
- Encouraging Public Transport: The COEX venue is easily accessible via Seoul Metro and airport buses.
- Hotel Partnerships: Many partner hotels implement energy-saving and waste-reduction practices.
Exhibitor & Industry Guidelines
Industry partners and exhibitors are encouraged to:
- Minimize the use of single-use materials
- Limit giveaways to sustainable or digital options
- Reuse booth structures where possible
How You Can Help
- Bring your reusable water bottle and use refill stations on-site
- Choose vegetarian or vegan meal options
- Use public transportation or shared rides
- Recycle materials at designated points
- Participate in our digital platforms to reduce paper use