Diabetes is a devastating disease that poses severe risks and costs for the healthcare community. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that the number of diabetics globally will reach 592 million by 2035. The financial burden on the healthcare system is substantial, with estimated costs of diabetes related complications accounting for up to 11% of total global healthcare spending. This congress is the region’s premier event connecting together policy makers, diabetes experts, researchers to exchange knowledge, generate new ideas that will foster the advancement in prevention and control of diabetes in the region.