Going Green Together in Athens

ESTS is committed to integrating sustainable meeting practices and initiatives that go beyond slogans and result in useful achievements.

We firmly believe that we all have a part to play in preserving our future for generations to come, both locally and across the globe. ESTS is collaborating with the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre to reduce the event’s environmental footprint in sensible ways to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Therefore, we are organizing our 2026 Annual Meeting with sustainability in mind – for our planet and environment, as well as for everyone involved with the event: from the organizing team and committees, through our partner chain, all the way to the delegates we welcome.

The ESTS 2026 Annual Meeting and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also known as the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work towards achieving by the year 2030. They set out a vision for a world free from poverty, hunger and disease.

We at ESTS want to do our part to promote the achievement of these goals in our value chain. The SDGs that we support and work towards are:

Contributions You Can Make as an ESTS 2026 Delegate

As individuals, as well as a community, each of us can and should contribute towards maintaining the natural ecological balance in the environment and preserving the planet and its natural systems and resources. Here is what we invite you to do as part of the ESTS 2026 Annual Meeting:

  • Use the mobile app (instead of printing) to inquire about the program details.
  • Use more sustainable ways of travelling to and around Athens.
  • Sort your waste in appropriate bins at venues, hotels, and around the city.
  • Keep waste items with you if there is no visible garbage or recycling bins at an event or during your tourism outings.
  • Opt for reusable mugs and bottles and refuse single-use plastic.
  • Do not print booking confirmations and boarding passes; instead, provide digital copies of these documents.
Learn more about Sustainability in Athens

Sustainability in the city: https://www.thisisathens.org/itineraries/sustainable-visit-athens

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 

What are we doing in 2026

  • Health equity and holistic well-being are at the core of our sustainability mission, leading to the introduction of the Athens Fun Run Experience. This activity invites participants to explore the city’s iconic heritage during the tranquil, early morning hours. By participating in this wellness activity, you are choosing to prioritize your personal wellness and mental clarity.
  • We work with local catering services aiming to provide fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced food.
  • Water stations around the venue give participants constant access to water supplies and support reusable cups and bottles.

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Supporting accessible high-quality education for our community is our top priority. Throughout the organization of ESTS Annual Meeting, we strive to constantly improve the scientific program, introduce more accessible Meeting alternatives and support onsite attendance, eliminate gender disparities in education, and ensure long-term education for our attendees.

What we are doing in 2026

  1. High-quality program – Carefully crafted by the ESTS 2026 Scientific Committee. We make sure to consistently innovate, educate, and deliver new knowledge, introduce new relevant topics, and invite the best international & local speakers.
  2. Networking opportunities and exchange of knowledge:
    • Mingle with your colleagues at Welcome Reception & Networking Events
    • Use the opportunity to present your poster during Poster Happy Hour
  1. Post-event resource sharing for the ESTS members.
  2. Travel grants. These grants will support presenting authors of the best abstracts selected by the scientific committee.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

We ensure nondiscrimination and equality for committee members, presenters, and invited speakers.

What we are doing in 2026

  • Address disparities in research and healthcare.
  • Focus on empowering women through better education and resources.
  • Advocate for policies that promote equitable healthcare for all.
  • Special networking event organised by WGTS, Women in General Thoracic Surgery Committee.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

We recognize the environmental impact that events like the ESTS 2026 can have, so sustainable production and consumption are one of our top priorities in organizing the 2026 Meeting. We are working with our suppliers to ensure maximum positive change.

What we are doing in 2026

  • Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
  • Limit printed promotional; for printed materials we are using PVC free.
  • No single plastic use.