On behalf of the International Ocular Inflammation Society, I am delighted to welcome you all, to the 17th meeting of the International Ocular Inflammation Society and 7th International Assembly of Ocular Inflammation Societies, which will be held in Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany. Berlin is truly a city that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it a truly remarkable destination.

Our society is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, fostering collaboration, and promoting excellence worldwide. With a global network of passionate professionals, we strive to make a positive impact on the visual health and well-being of our patients across borders. In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it is crucial for us to come together, share our expertise, and collectively address the challenges we face. Through our conferences, symposiums, and research initiatives, we aim to facilitate the exchange of ideas, cutting-edge research, and best practices that will shape the future of ocular inflammation.

I am pleased to observe that the 2023 congress would certainly be an unforgettable edition and keep all its promises. Bringing together all areas of ocular inflammation and infection, it respects the spirit of our Society as established by its founders. I am grateful to our local congress chair, Professor Uwe Pleyer and the German Uveitis Group, for their tremendous efforts and generous hospitality, which will allow us to meet, discuss, exchange and debate on major topics of our subspecialties, in a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere.

I would like to take this opportunity and acknowledge every member of the Assembly of Ocular Inflammation Societies for their active contribution to the success of the 2023 Congress. An outstanding scientific program has been set-up by 14 IOIS sections and 36 National or international Societies to update you on aspects of our field in a rapidly evolving era. All this would not have been achieved without the dedicated and invaluable coordination of Russell Read together with the scientific program committee members. IOIS has long been committed to education, not just through the meeting itself, but with the comprehensive course on Uveitis, organized for the fourth time by Quan Dong Nguyen and Carlos Pavesio. With more than 200 abstracts submitted, we have increased access to free papers and posters to encourage their authors.

IOIS evolves according to your expectations and our achievements depend on your continuous scientific support. The success of the congress is a result of the efforts of each person who will travel for another extraordinary meeting with major advances in diagnostic and therapeutic management of ocular inflammatory or infectious diseases. Our executive board will finish its second term in Berlin, and I would like to acknowledge all board members for their outstanding work and full support especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to all of you. Together, let us embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and collaboration that will shape the future of ocular inflammatory disorders.

Thank you, and I look forward to our collective endeavors.

Yours Sincerely,

Bahram Bodaghi MD, PhD, FEBOph