Looking at the Future, Learning From the Past: Current Activities and Upcoming Goals of the European Paediatric Association, the Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations

This commentary describes the current activities and perspectives of EPA/UNEPSA and its new board of directors. EPA/UNEPSA will engage proactively in leading the union of European pediatric organizations toward the challenges facing the discipline of pediatrics in the areas of research, education, knowledge transfer, and advocacy for children’s health and well-being. Major efforts of the new Board will include projects for the improvement of healthcare systems in Europe and the development of educational programs designed to form stronger advocates and skillful professionals able to best meet their patients’ challenges and be confident in their leadership as experts in child and adolescent health. More than a quarter of a century has passed since the iron curtain between East and West Europe, and the importance of exploring similarities Volume and differences in current challenges and approaches to child health across Europe has not declined. EPA/UNEPSA, with the key contribution of its 50 member societies, has the potential to understand and address differences in pediatric policy and practice among different nations. After 45 years, EPA/UNEPSA is still an expanding and vital instrument in improving the knowledge of European pediatricians and for enhancing health services for all children and the cooperation among their caretakers in Europe, in a continuing effort to fulfill its role as the largest European pediatric association