UICC and its members welcome the new Board of Directors for 2026 to 2028
At today’s UICC General Assembly, full members from around the world welcomed Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu as UICC President and elected the Board of Directors for 2026-2028, including the new President-elect, Dr CS Pramesh from India.
UICC’s General Assembly took place on 20 October and was chaired by outgoing President, Ulrika Årehed Kågström. Held virtually, the Assembly brought together member organisations from around the world to review UICC’s activities since 2024, discuss priorities for the coming years, and elect the organisation’s leadership.
In her address to members, Ulrika reflected on the progress achieved during her presidency and thanked UICC members, Board directors, and staff for their commitment to advancing global cancer control. She highlighted efforts to strengthen UICC’s member-centred approach, expand collaboration across the cancer community, and support practical implementation of cancer control initiatives worldwide. The Assembly also included a review of UICC’s activities and financial performance over the past two years, as well as an overview of the election process.
New President-elect and Board of Directors 2026-2028
Following the voting process, Dr CS Pramesh from India was elected President-elect.
Dr CS Pramesh is Director of the Tata Memorial Hospital and Professor and Head of Thoracic Surgery at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, one of the world's largest comprehensive cancer centres. A surgical oncologist, researcher, and health systems leader, recognised internationally for advancing access, quality, and equity in cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“I accept the responsibility with a lot of humility, enthusiasm and a deep sense of commitment. I am confident that together, we can make a real difference for people affected by cancer everywhere.”
– CS Pramesh, President-elect, UICC
In addition to the election of the President-elect, the new UICC Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 term was also voted in, representing UICC’s global membership of over 1,100 organisations from more than 170 countries and territories.
Together with the President and President-elect, the Board will provide strategic oversight and help guide UICC’s efforts to unite and support the global cancer community.
“I extend my warm welcome and congratulations to our new President, President-elect and Board members. Their collective experience, perspectives and dedication will be invaluable as UICC continues its mission to unite and support the cancer community and drive progress towards more equitable cancer control worldwide.”
– Cary Adams, CEO, UICC
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu: UICC’s new President for 2026-2028
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation in Nigeria. Elected President-elect at the 2024 General Assembly, she has served on the UICC Board for six years, and has been actively engaged in the past two years in advancing the organisation’s strategic priorities.
In her first address as President, Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu thanked Ulrika Årehed Kågström for her leadership and service over the past two years and expressed her enthusiasm for working with the newly elected Board and UICC members around the world.
She also congratulated the newly elected President-elect and Board members, noting their expertise, leadership and commitment to reducing the global burden of cancer. She outlined her vision for the coming term, emphasising the importance of strengthening collaboration across the cancer community, reducing inequities in access to cancer services, and ensuring that cancer remains a priority on global and national health agendas.
“It is a great honour to take on the UICC presidency at a time when our collective action has never been more important. As President, I want to help turn the extraordinary progress we are making in cancer research and care into meaningful change for people everywhere. No country can meet this challenge alone. By working across borders, sharing knowledge and experience, and building stronger partnerships, we can close the gaps that continue to cost lives.”
– Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President, UICC, 2026-2028
Last update
Tuesday 20 October 2026
