The United States, home to world-leading research institutions, diverse communities and a long tradition of medical innovation—provides an appropriate setting for an important moment in SPINE20’s development. Nowhere is this spirit more evident than in New York City, a global center of dialogue, ambition and collaboration. As we gather here, we do so not only to consider the future of spine health, but also to reflect on how SPINE20 can strengthen its contribution to advancing equitable, evidence-based and sustainable spine care worldwide.
We are pleased to welcome you to New York City for the 2026 SPINE20 Strategic Summit. This year’s gathering will differ from a conventional SPINE20 Annual Summit and will not be organized around a single scientific or advocacy theme. Instead, it will provide a dedicated opportunity to review SPINE20’s journey over the past six years, evaluate what has been accomplished, identify the lessons learned and determine how the organization should evolve in the years ahead.
Since its establishment in 2019, SPINE20 has grown into a global alliance of more than 30 partner societies committed to advising G20 nations and the wider international community on policies that reduce the burden of spine disorders. Through its annual summits, policy recommendations, scientific collaboration and global advocacy, SPINE20 has worked to bring spine health greater recognition within public-health discussions and to promote stronger healthcare systems, improved access to care and healthier, more resilient communities.
The New York Strategic Summit represents an opportunity to build upon this foundation. Participants will examine SPINE20’s achievements, challenges, partnerships and working methods, while considering the structure, priorities and resources required for its next phase. Our discussions will seek to clarify SPINE20’s future direction, strengthen collaboration among its partner societies and develop a practical roadmap that can translate shared ambitions into sustained action.
New York—shaped by generations of people, ideas and cultures from around the world—offers an especially meaningful setting for this process of reflection and renewal. In that same spirit of openness and collective purpose, we invite every participant to contribute experience, insight and vision. Together, we can honour what SPINE20 has achieved, learn from its first six years and shape a stronger, more sustainable and impactful future for the organization and for global spine health
