One World, One Purpose: #WDRAPM2026

One World, One Purpose: #WDRAPM2026

The World Day of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine (WDRAPM) is a global initiative with a profoundly local soul. Its strength lies not only in its international reach, but in the countless educational moments that take place simultaneously in hospitals, universities, and communities around the world.

For its 3rd edition, #WDRAPM2026 brings together colleagues from 74 countries and 156 cities, confirming its position as one of the most widespread educational initiatives in regional anaesthesia and pain medicine worldwide. Activities will take place throughout WDRAPM Week, from the 24^th to 31^st January 2026, culminating in the World Day on 31^st January 2026. This remarkable level of participation reflects a shared commitment to education, to the dissemination of good clinical practice, and ultimately to improving patient care—regardless of geography, resources, or healthcare system.

#WDRAPM2026 is a reminder that improving patient care does not always require new technology; sometimes it simply requires collective purpose and the willingness to learn from one another. What gives this initiative its true strength is not only its global reach, but the meaningful educational impact generated locally, in settings as diverse as the communities we serve.

At its core, WDRAPM is about equity: ensuring that high-quality knowledge and good clinical practice are not confined to a few centres of excellence, but shared openly and responsibly. It is about access—to education, to evidence-based techniques, and to safe and effective pain relief. And it is about relief, in its most human sense: alleviating suffering through thoughtful, compassionate, and scientifically grounded care.

What makes #WDRAPM2026 truly distinctive is its global–local model. United by a common scientific framework and shared objectives, each participating centre adapts the programme to local realities, needs, and challenges. These local contributions are not peripheral; they are essential. They are where global vision translates into real-world impact, with clear scientific, educational, and social implications.

Under the leadership of its new Chair, Dr Nuala Lucas, the 3^rd edition of WDRAPM marks another important milestone for our global community, bringing together colleagues across continents to celebrate, share, and advance regional anaesthesia and pain medicine. Led by the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy in collaboration with international partners, this year’s programme emphasises equity, access, and practical impact, with a shared scientific framework delivered locally in diverse healthcare settings worldwide. WDRAPM continues to highlight the strength of our specialty when we learn from one another and work collectively to improve patient care everywhere.

We very much look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the world to be part of this shared endeavour throughout WDRAPM Week (24–31 January 2026), and especially on 31 January 2026, when the global community comes together to mark the World Day of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine. See you there — it promises to be a truly special moment!