Published on
November 14, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The prestigious Incredible Impacts Award 2025 has been claimed by WONCA (the World Organization of Family Doctors), marking a monumental achievement for global healthcare and rural communities. The award was presented during the closing ceremony of the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, a monumental gathering that brought together influential leaders from across the globe.
WONCA’s 2022 World Rural Health Conference, held in Limerick, Ireland, united family doctors, researchers, and policymakers to tackle some of the most pressing issues in rural healthcare. The conference’s lasting legacy, driven by the collaboration of various key stakeholders, continues to transform rural healthcare globally, highlighting the power of purpose-driven international meetings. WONCA’s visionary conference exemplifies the impact and legacy that international association events can leave, going beyond tourism to create lasting societal change.
WONCA’s Historic Recognition: Changing the Landscape of Rural Healthcare Worldwide
At the heart of the Incredible Impacts Award is a recognition of how international association meetings can leave lasting, transformative effects on societies and industries. WONCA’s World Rural Health Conference 2022 was a prime example of this, bringing together professionals, policymakers, and local communities to address the challenges of providing equitable access to healthcare in rural areas. The conference was not just an event; it was a movement that united individuals and organizations to collaborate for a common goal: to improve the lives of those in underserved, rural communities. WONCA’s commitment to bridging the gap in healthcare access was showcased through a powerful blend of knowledge-sharing, innovative thinking, and practical solutions. The conference’s success continues to echo in rural healthcare transformations, making it an exemplary model for future global meetings.
The Incredible Impacts Programme: A Global Spotlight on Legacy and Innovation
The Incredible Impacts Programme is a flagship initiative created to celebrate international association meetings that go beyond the ordinary. It honours events that don’t just create economic value but also focus on legacy building, sustainability, and positive societal impact. WONCA’s recognition for the 2022 World Rural Health Conference underscores how powerful and meaningful meetings can be. With this award, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) and its partner BestCities Global Alliance aim to inspire other associations to integrate purpose-driven and sustainable practices into their events. WONCA’s victory sends a powerful message that when global conferences focus on creating lasting legacies—especially in areas like healthcare—they can spark real change that extends far beyond the conference room and touches communities globally.
Building Global Partnerships for Rural Healthcare: A Legacy that Lasts
The World Rural Health Conference 2022 in Limerick, Ireland, was not just a conference but the catalyst for a collaborative effort to improve rural healthcare. Hosted by a coalition of influential institutions, including Fáilte Ireland, the University of Limerick, and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), the conference showcased how key partnerships in the healthcare and policy sectors can lead to innovative solutions for rural health challenges. Professor Liam Glynn, Conference Ambassador, highlighted the critical collaboration between local communities, researchers, and family doctors that made the conference so impactful. This event continues to influence rural healthcare practices today, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts that bring about real change for the betterment of rural populations.
From Concept to Impact: The Powerful Collaboration Behind WONCA’s Success
The Incredible Impacts Award 2025 was not just about the event itself but about the sustained impact it has had on the healthcare landscape. Dr. Senthil Gopinath, ICCA’s CEO, praised WONCA for its “outstanding creativity and purpose in connecting people, knowledge, and community impact.” The World Rural Health Conference’s ability to create long-term solutions for rural healthcare challenges was made possible by the remarkable collaboration between international healthcare experts, local organizations, and policy leaders. The summit became a platform for action, focusing on creating equitable access to healthcare and building resilient healthcare systems for rural communities. This collaborative model of community-driven change remains a shining example of how international conferences can inspire meaningful, lasting transformation in societies.
The Global Recognition: WONCA’s Legacy and the Future of Rural Healthcare
WONCA’s recognition at the ICCA Congress is a testament to the power of purposeful gatherings. As Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, noted, this year’s record-breaking number of submissions showed the incredible potential of international conferences to drive real change. WONCA’s work in advancing high-quality healthcare in rural and remote areas continues to shine as an example for other organizations and associations. The USD 20,000 prize awarded to WONCA will further enhance the organization’s efforts, fueling the development of even more impactful projects that aim to revolutionize rural healthcare globally. WONCA’s success highlights how international meetings driven by purpose and community impact can shape industries, create legacies, and inspire future collaborations that lead to positive change.
Rural Healthcare Transformation: How WONCA’s Conference Has Shaped the Future
The 2022 World Rural Health Conference in Limerick, Ireland wasn’t just about discussing challenges—it was about finding solutions. By uniting family doctors, researchers, and policymakers, WONCA facilitated cross-border collaboration that led to tangible outcomes for rural healthcare systems. One of the primary goals of the conference was to build a shared vision for equitable healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Today, the ripple effects of the conference are being felt across rural healthcare systems worldwide. Innovative healthcare models discussed during the conference are now being implemented in remote areas, ensuring that healthcare is more accessible and sustainable for those who need it most.
WONCA’s Role in Shaping the Future of Global Healthcare: A Powerful Legacy
WONCA’s success and the Incredible Impacts Award 2025 reflect the growing importance of global healthcare conferences that prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains. The recognition places a spotlight on the critical role international events play in solving global challenges, especially in sectors like healthcare. With WONCA’s ongoing projects, the impact of the World Rural Health Conference continues to shape healthcare policies and improve access to services for underserved populations. The legacy of this conference is an inspiration to other international associations, demonstrating how meetings focused on social good can create ripple effects that change the world.
