AM_Statement_Registration_fees_032024

World Medical Association
Associate Members – Steering Committee
Statement on registrations fees of WMA meetings
PREAMBLE
1. In 2023, the WMA Associate Membership counted around 1,900 individual physicians.
2. The WMA Associate Members are invited to take part in both Council meetings and
General Assemblies as observers. Those are unique interacting and learning
opportunities that allow the AMs to build a strong and productive network supporting
the WMA’s activities.
3. Also, two chosen representatives of the AMs have the right to participate in the General
Assembly (right to speak and right to introduce policy or proposals passed at meetings of
the Associate Membership).
4. Only small groups of AMs gather in person at these meetings. Hybrid meetings allowing
online participation have not taken place since the return to in person format after
COVID19; the WMA rules currently don’t support hybrid meetings.
5. AM Registration fees to the CM and GA have increased by around one third between
2023 and 2024. As it is arguable that meeting expenses may be higher in high-income
countries than in low- and medium-income countries, it was observed that the
registration fees were however identical in 2022 (Paris, Berlin) and 2023 (Nairobi, Kigali).
6. High participation fees may be perceived as an obstacle to AM participation to the bi-
annual Council meetings and even more regrettably to the General Assemblies.
Especially, more economically vulnerable groups of AMs may be most affected by this
financial burden, such as members from low- and medium-income countries and senior
or younger members (once they cease qualifying as JDN).
7. The WMA, representing physicians worldwide, should aim for the highest inclusivity of
its members, including Associate Members.
8. The WMA should provide opportunities for a broad and equal engagement of its AMs,
who show high levels of investment and take a great role in the WMA’s activities.
RECOMMENDATION
9. The WMA should engage in containing registration fees for its associate members, in
order to allow a larger group to participate in in-person meetings and to contribute to
the development of the Association’s activities and network.
REFERENCES
Procedures and operating policies of the world medical association
Articles and bylaws of the World Medical Association