The connection between Asian nuclear medicine societies and the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (WFNMB) dates to its foundation and continues to this day. In particular, the relationship with the Korean Society of Nuclear Medicine (KSNM) remains especially strong. As noted by Hyun Gee Ryoo et al. [1], “The global leadership of KSNM expanded through the congress of the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (WFNMB) in 2006. Prof. Myung Chul Lee served as the president of WFNMB, and the congress was held successfully with the slogan, ‘Global Harmonization and New Horizon of Nuclear Medicine.’” Additionally, the Asian Regional Cooperative Council for Nuclear Medicine (ARCCNM), whose activities are discussed in a commentary by Bom, Chung, and Lee [2], is an essential partner of WFNMB.

The World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology was founded on October 26, 1970, in San Jeronimo Lidice, Mexico. This historic establishment brought together delegates from national societies of nuclear medicine and biology, guided by the visionary leadership of Drs. Roberto Maass Escoto and Osvaldo J. Dégrossi. Notably, among the delegates were representatives from nine Asian countries, underscoring the region’s early commitment to advancing the field. These delegates included: Ganatra, R. D. (India) Lewitus, Z. (Israel) Ueda, H. (Japan) Lee, M. H. (Rep. of Korea) Dharmalingam, S. К. (Malaysia) Siddiqui, В. (Pakistan) Villadolid, L. S. (Philippines) Suwanik, R. (Thailand) Ho, H. C. (Hong Kong) [3]. (Fig. 1) Currently, 36 Asian countries are members of the Federation (Fig. 2).

Map of Asia showing the members of WFNMB in 1970

Map of Asia showing the members of WFNMB in 2024

Japan hosted the first World Congress of Nuclear Medicine in 1974, held in Tokyo and Kyoto, under the leadership of H. Ueda (President of WFNMB), M. Iio, and S. Kato [4]. Decades later, Japan again welcomed the global community in 2022, hosting the World Congress in Kyoto under the leadership of Seigo Kinuya [5].

In 2006, as mentioned before, the World Congress was hosted by South Korea in Seoul, with M.C. Lee (President of WFNMB), J.K. Chung, and J.D. Lee serving as key officers [1].

The strong connection between Asia, particularly Korea, and the WFNMB is further underscored by a significant milestone in the Federation’s history. In the new era of the WFNMB, leadership was decoupled from the Congress host country, transitioning to an independently elected model that reflects global representation. Dong Soo Lee of Korea was the first to navigate this uncharted territory, marking a new chapter for the Federation [6].

According to the statutes of the WFNMB, three Asian organizations are represented on the Federation’s executive board. These are: the Asia Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology, led by its president Akram Al-Ibraheem from Jordan; the Asian Regional Cooperative Council for Nuclear Medicine, with its president Keon Wook Kang from South Korea; and the Arab Society of Nuclear Medicine, headed by its president Batool Al Balooshi from Dubai.

In response to the historic document known as the Pisa Declaration in 1967, the Asia and Oceania Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (AOFNMB) was inaugurated provisionally in October 1969 in Tokyo at a gathering of 21 delegations from the nine member countries and regions. The Second assembly of the AOFNMB was held in Tokyo in 1974 during the first World Congress of Nuclear Medicine and Biology (WCNMB), while Sydney was decided to be the hosting city of the first congress [7].

The Asian Regional Cooperative Council for Nuclear Medicine (ARCCNM) was initiated by Korea, Japan, and China and was officially founded in February 2001. The council began with 13 member states but later grew to include 18. Its main objectives are to establish liaisons with the official national bodies of nuclear medicine and to enhance regional scientific activities by way of conferences, seminars, and educational programs, by which communication between experts, trainees, and fellows in the field may be facilitated [8].

The Asian Nuclear Medicine Board (ANMB) was created on the prototype and with the help of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine. A meeting of the core group with representatives of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and the European Board of Nuclear Medicine (EBNM) in Vienna (May 2013) concluded with an agreement of support and cooperation between EBNM and ARCCNM. The first exam too place on November 4, 2014, in Osaka, Japan during the ARCCNM Meeting.

The Arab Society of Nuclear Medicine was founded in November 2014 in Vienna, Austria during the meeting of the ARASIA project: “strengthening Nuclear Medicine Applications through Education and Training to Help Fighting Non-Communicable Diseases in the Arab Asian member states” [9].

Following the previously implemented changes to the Federation’s statutes, the leadership structure is no longer linked to the Congress host country but is instead elected independently, ensuring diverse regional representation. Since this transition, the Federation has been led by three presidents: Dong Soo Lee (South Korea), Jean Luc Urbain (Canada), and Lizette Louw (South Africa). Starting January 1, 2025, a newly appointed leadership team will take office. The incoming team comprises Savvas Frangos (Cyprus) as President, Gisela Estrada (Mexico) as Secretary General, John Prior (Switzerland) as Treasurer, Gopinath Gnanasegaran (United Kingdom) as President-Elect, and Lizette Louw (South Africa) as Immediate Past President (Fig. 3). Together, this leadership group seeks to build upon the Federation’s achievements and advance nuclear medicine on a global scale.

The WFNMB leadership from 1 January 2025: Lizette Louw, John Prior, Savvas Frangos, Gisela Estrada, Gopinath Gnanasegaran

In October 1980, during the 55th session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board, the WFNMB’s request for recognition as a non-state actor (NSA) was initially considered [3]. Nearly four decades later, in 2019, this status was formally granted, establishing official relations with WHO.

This recognition as an NSA marks a cornerstone in the Federation’s global advocacy for Nuclear Medicine. It solidifies WFNMB’s role as the sole representative of the field within WHO, a position of significant influence and responsibility, requiring the collective dedication and support of all members. Asia, with its vast community of Nuclear Medicine professionals and rapidly developing capabilities in the field, stands as a cornerstone of this initiative. Your support is vital to ensuring the success of this spearhead role as we work collectively to advance the impact of Nuclear Medicine worldwide. Together, we can uphold and strengthen this crucial representation.

John Prior, on behalf of the WFNMB, collaborates closely with Andrew Scott to shape Nuclear Medicine policy within the WHO framework. As the sole NSA representing the field, the WFNMB was one of eight organizations that supported the Resolution on Strengthening Diagnostic Capacity, which was adopted during the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 2023 [10]. Following this achievement, the Federation is now working alongside the International Society of Radiology (ISR) to assist in drafting a new WHO resolution aimed at enhancing global access to medical imaging—an effort that aligns with the recommendations put forth by the Lancet Oncology Commission on Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine. Furthermore, a comprehensive work plan outlining joint initiatives between WHO and WFNMB for the 2025–2027 period has been submitted [11].

A key milestone for WFNMB has been its partnership with the Lancet Oncology Commission on Radiotherapy and Theranostics. This initiative, driven by joint efforts with several professional societies, including WFNMB, has made notable progress over the past 18 months, culminating in multiple publications, the latest was released on September 30, 2024 [12].

Additionally, WFNMB maintains a strong working relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), particularly with Diana Paez, who leads the Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging Section. Through formal Practical Arrangements, WFNMB and IAEA collaborate to strengthen technical capacity in nuclear medicine diagnostics and therapies. Their joint efforts involve training professionals from IAEA member states, developing eLearning tools, and selecting leading clinical centers to serve as hubs for education and research. Under this agreement, WFNMB contributes expert resources and infrastructure, while IAEA facilitates training opportunities, particularly benefiting low- and middle-income countries.

As part of its modernization strategy, WFNMB introduced a refreshed visual identity, including a new logo (Fig. 4), unveiled at the EANM2024 Congress in Hamburg. This rebranding effort extends to the launch of a revamped, user-friendly website, designed to enhance interaction between the Federation’s leadership and its member societies. The updated platform will serve as a hub for facilitating the exchange of knowledge between nuclear medicine professionals across the globe and will encourage individuals interested in advancing the specialty to engage with the Federation.

The new logo of the world federation of nuclear medicine and biology

In line with preserving the field’s heritage, WFNMB is preparing a comprehensive history book documenting the development of nuclear medicine societies worldwide and their relationship with the Federation. This publication is scheduled to be presented at the 14th World Congress in Cartagena, Colombia, from February 13 to 16, 2026, in partnership with the Colombian Society of Nuclear Medicine, under the leadership of Patricia Bernal.

Expanding the Federation’s membership base, especially by reaching out to countries with small or financially constrained nuclear medicine communities, remains a strategic priority. To support this goal, WFNMB plans to waive membership fees for countries with limited resources, ensuring that all nations can participate and have their voices heard in shaping the global nuclear medicine landscape.

As a unifying global body, WFNMB aims to strengthen collaboration among regional societies, facilitating the coordination of activities and amplifying nuclear medicine’s visibility worldwide. The Federation may endorse regional events and promote them via its website and social media platforms, further cementing its role as a leading voice for the field.

Moreover, WFNMB is eager to foster partnerships with other medical specialties, cultivating a multidisciplinary approach to broaden nuclear medicine’s reach. This could involve encouraging nuclear medicine specialists to participate in the congresses of allied medical fields, while also organizing WFNMB-led sessions or workshops at such gatherings, promoting cross-specialty engagement.

A vital focus remains on advancing nuclear medicine in underserved regions, including countries where the specialty is underdeveloped or non-existent. In collaboration with IAEA and regional societies, WFNMB plans to facilitate expert visits and implement knowledge-sharing programs, irrespective of a country’s membership status.

Realizing these ambitions will require collective dedication and sustained effort. However, with the shared commitment of its members, WFNMB is well-positioned to strengthen its status as the global authority in nuclear medicine. Together, we can elevate both the Federation and the field to new heights.