The Trocar Open Access Journal – 09/2023

As a global, specialized medical community, we bundle a lot of knowledge, experience but also cultures. In addition, the sometimes extreme economic differences have to be reflected. It should not be forgotten that in associations like ours (ISGE) rather pr ivileged people meet at first. But the good thing is that we can and may use this to support many. The question is how we do it well and at eye level.

In industrialized countries there is a perception that, many so called developing countries are inheren tly poor and poorly developed. It should not be forgotten that former colonialism has been partly superseded by a kind of economic colonialism that supports corrupt elites because it benefits them. Above all, the “drippel down” theory of neoliberalism has cemented the attitude towards the countries of the South. Developing countries tend to be very young in mean age , while developed countries are aging. Therefore, it is time for us to recognize the power of people and not see them as recipients of aid. It’s not the time for charity, it’s the time for participation.

It is important that we design training in such a way that it can multiply locally, as we as an organization have limited human resources. Financing is always a problem, so it is important that we succeed in getting support far from economic interests. In the economically prosperous countries, there are already too many training opportunities with which economic profit is made. Even an organization like ISGE needs funding, but our focus is on gener ating sources that enable funding for the common good.

ISGE works on learning concepts that respect local conditions, but also offer the highest possible standard. We are therefore pleased about the growing popularity by many colleagues who like our conce pt and would like to work on it. Be part of it and come to ISGE. If your local organization affiliates with ISGE, you are automatically an affiliate member and have almost all the options of a full member, so reach out to your local country organizations a nd encourage them to become an affiliate member.

I look forward to meeting you soon at one of our meetings, our trainings or on other occasions.

Best regards

Guenter Noé
Past President ISGE
Editor in chief