UICC and its members welcome the new Board of Directors for 2024 to 2026

UICC’s General Assembly took place on 8 October and was chaired by outgoing President, Prof. Jeff Dunn AO. It was held virtually, as in 2020 and 2022, enabling members to engage from around the world. Full members began casting their votes via a dedicated link as early as 9pm Geneva time on 7 October, with the General Assembly officially starting at 2 pm (12 pm GMT). 

Jeff Dunn provided a review of the organisation’s performance over the past two years, highlighting achievements such as the success of the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit and the World Cancer Congress. He also noted the dedication and resilience of cancer organisations around the world as they continued to work towards more equitable access to cancer prevention, treatment, and care in their regions. 

In his presentation, Cary Adams, CEO of UICC, expressed his deepest gratitude to Jeff for his leadership and dedication during a time when he faced significant personal challenges. He was excited to welcome Ulrika as UICC’s new President, looking forward to her vision for the future.

The event also included a review of the financial performance of UICC by the Treasurer, Hana Chaar Choueib, General Manager of the Children's Cancer Center of Lebanon, and an overview of the elections process by Prof. Anil D’Cruz, UICC’s Immediate Past President.  

Elections for the new President-elect and Board of Directors 2024-2026  

Following the voting process, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu from Nigeria was elected as President-elect. Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu is founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, a consultant paediatrician, and a member of the Nigerian Cancer Society and the American Society for Clinical Oncology. 

In her acceptance, she expressed appreciation for the global support: “Thank you for your trust  and  confidence placed in me, I am especially honoured to work with all of you towards accelerating global cancer control under the umbrella of our great organisation. I will be an interactive leader who will lean on your experiences, insights, and energies to guide the UICC in the years to come.” 

In addition to the election of the President-elect, the new UICC Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term was also voted in, repesenting 12 countries. They will continue to advance UICC’s mission of supporting global cancer control efforts. 

Outgoing President Jeff Dunn congratulated the new President-elect and Board members, acknowledging their expertise and dedication. Cary Adams concluded the General Assembly, adding, “Congratulations to our new President-elect and the newly elected Board Members. I am confident that their expertise and dedication will drive UICC forward in our mission to unite and support the cancer community.” 

Ulrika Årehed Kågström: UICC’s new President for 2024-2026 

Ulrika Årehed Kågström is Secretary-General of the Swedish Cancer Society and an active leader in the Nordic Cancer Union. She is the fourth woman to assume the presidency of UICC, following HRH Princess Dina Mired of Jordan (2018-2020), Prof. Sanchia Aranda (2016-2018), and Prof. Mary Gospodarowicz (2012-2014). 

In her address to the General Assembly, Ulrika started by thanking the outgoing President, Jeff Dunn, for his inspirational leadership over the past two years, and expressed her appreciation for the current Board's commitment and enthusiasm. She also wished good luck to the candidates for President-elect and the incoming Board of Directors as they awaited the election results. 

She then outlined her priorities for the next two years. She emphasised the need to continue the organisation’s work in addressing inequities in cancer control globally. She also encouraged joining UICC Connect where she hopes during her Presidency to see more and more members engage and exchange with UICC and each other.

She also cited the continued need to ensure that cancer remains a priority on the global health agenda, unite and support the cancer community, and enhance global partnerships. She emphasised in particular the successes of UICC partnership initiatives such as the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, which aims to increase the availability of cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Additionally, she calls for continued global attention on cancer, particularly in light of the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

“I am deeply honored to take on the important responsibility as President of the UICC. In a world facing complex challenges, UICC’s mission to unite and support the global cancer community is more important than ever. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 70 percent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care is severely limited. Inequities exist both between and within nations and are completely unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action. I look forward to continue advancing UICC’s critical work in fostering cross-border collaborations, ensuring that cancer is a priority on the global health agenda and striving the pursuit of equitable cancer control.” 
– Ulrika Årehed Kågström, President of UICC, 2024-2026 

The General Assembly concluded with reflections on UICC’s strategic goals for the future. Ulrika Årehed Kågström reiterated her commitment to working with the newly elected Board to further strengthen UICC’s impact on global cancer control. 

As the event closed, Jeff Dunn thanked members for their participation, expressing optimism for the organisation's future under its new leadership. (Read Jeff’s blog on his two-year tenure). 

DISCOVER UICC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024-2026