The global neurosurgical community gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from April 24–26, 2026 for a landmark moment in the advancement of equitable neurosurgical care: the inaugural conference of the International Society for Global Neurosurgery (ISGNS), held in partnership with the Global Neurosurgery Initiative. Bringing together neurosurgeons, educators, advocates, and global health leaders from around the world, the meeting focused on strengthening sustainable neurosurgical capacity through collaboration, education, and long-term partnership.
A major theme of the conference was the continued advancement of the Boston Declaration, a global commitment framework aimed at reducing disparities in access to neurosurgical care and training worldwide. Institutions and organizations shared progress updates, new partnerships, and ongoing commitments designed to expand workforce development, mentorship, and access to specialized neurosurgical services in low-resource settings.
Representing the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) at the historic gathering were FIENS Board Chair Dr. Robert Dempsey and FIENS Executive Board Member At Large Dr. Gail Rosseau, who joined colleagues from across the international neurosurgical community in discussions centered on education, collaboration, and sustainable impact. Their participation highlighted FIENS’ longstanding commitment to strengthening neurosurgical training pathways and supporting the next generation of neurosurgical leaders around the world.
During the visit, Dr. Dempsey was also able to meet with several of the early pioneers of neurosurgery in Tanzania and tour the country’s first two hospitals established for neurosurgical care. He additionally consulted on plans for a future Neuroscience Institute, reflecting the continued growth and long-term vision of neurosurgical development within the region. Particularly meaningful was the opportunity to reconnect with former residents who have since become professors, educators, and leaders in Tanzanian neurosurgery themselves, demonstrating the lasting impact of sustained mentorship and local capacity-building efforts.
The meeting marked an important milestone for the broader global neurosurgery movement, reinforcing a growing international focus on mentorship-driven education models, local capacity building, and partnerships that remain in local hands long after a visiting team departs.
