International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies World Congress 2026

Founder and CEO of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies, Professor Jatin P Shah; Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society, President Dr Julia Crawford and Immediate Past President Professor Eng Ooi; World Congress 2026 Convenor, Professor Sandro Porceddu; distinguished members of the international head and neck oncology community, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Governor of Queensland, and as a former Chief Health Officer and medical professional, I am deeply honoured to welcome so many leading Australian and international experts to Brisbane for this landmark international Congress dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment and prevention of head and neck cancer.

While it is mostly held every four years, this is the first time the IFHNOS Congress has been held in Australia, and it represents the largest event of its type to be held on our shores.

From the outset, I acknowledge the leadership of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies, in collaboration with the Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society, for choosing Brisbane as the host city for this World Congress.  

In particular, I commend the 2026 Congress Convenor, Professor Sandro Porceddu, and the local Organising Committee for coordinating such a rich scientific and multidisciplinary program, bringing together more than 200 outstanding speakers to share their latest research and innovations.

This Congress has brought together many of the world’s most respected minds in oncology, surgery, radiology, pathology, immunology, rehabilitation, and palliative care.  

The diversity of expertise represented here reflects an enduring commitment to strengthening responses to head and neck cancer through global collaboration, scientific excellence, and patient-centred care.

Queensland is proud to host such an important gathering. Our state has a strong and growing reputation for medical research excellence, with our universities, hospitals and research centres contributing to global advances in cancer genomics, immunotherapies, surgical techniques, and patient‑centred care.  

However — as we know — no single region or country can solve the complex challenges of head and neck cancer alone. International collaboration, scientific cooperation and partnerships are essential to better understanding and treating these complex diseases.

I commend the Federation for its mission in bringing together national and regional multi-disciplinary organisations to provide a common platform for specialists working in this area, and for championing the critical importance of global cooperation in everything it does.  

In fact, this Congress would not be possible without the vision and foresight of the IFHNOS Founder and CEO, Professor Jatin Shah, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge his outstanding global leadership.

This Congress — now in its eighth cycle — continues to provide a vital forum for experts to exchange ideas and experiences, hear about the latest research outputs and discoveries, and learn valuable lessons about what has worked and what hasn’t.

The impact of the insights gained and connections made during this Congress will extend far beyond these next few days, giving further hope to improving the rehabilitation and survivorship of sufferers. And I take this moment to acknowledge the courage of those living with these cancers, the resilience of survivors, and the deep grief felt by families who have lost loved ones.  

Their experiences remind us why your work matters so deeply.

To all delegates – particularly those who’ve taken time from their busy schedules, research centres and operating theatres to travel vast distances to be here – thank you for your dedication and compassion as part of this global community that seeks to create brighter futures for those living with these diseases.

May your time in Brisbane deepen your connections, expand your scientific and medical knowledge, and strengthen your resolve to improve the lives of those affected by head and neck cancer.  

On behalf of the people of Queensland, I warmly welcome all of you to our beautiful city of Brisbane and wish you an inspiring and engaging Congress.