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“It has indeed been a privilege to be President-Elect under Vivekanand Jha’s tutelage and leadership for the last couple of years. I am honored and excited to take on the reins as President of our International Society of Nephrology (ISN).

We know the vision of the ISN. It is a future where all people have equitable access to sustainable kidney health. How do we continue to advance this together?

The ISN has accomplished and worked on many activities over the last year against tremendous odds. So much has been done by the ISN and made possible by contributions from all stakeholders, including you, our members. But there still is a lot left to do.

I look very much forward to working with the ISN Regional Boards, Council, Executive Committee, Working Groups, staff, and most importantly, with you so that we can continue to make progress towards these goals.

This last year has had unimaginable losses for so many – loss of life, loss of opportunities, unimaginable stresses and challenges. There still is an ongoing battle with the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is very unequal across the world, and even in parts of the world it is very unequal for different populations. ISN advocacy and efforts were key along with other important organizations to achieve rapid mobilization for the special needs and considerations for our patients with kidney health.

Now we are beginning to imagine transitions. ISN has already had a transition to yearly meetings; unfortunately, last year’s planned first annual Congress following the WCN in Melbourne was cancelled. We have had a change in organizational structure under the leadership of our Past-Presidents, with Vivek Jha taking over and transitioning us to a new structure. We have had a change in the election procedures, all to reinvigorate and make our Society fit for the times and for our challenges. Now, as we transition from Vivek Jha’s outstanding leadership and accomplishment to my term, we also are transiting, I hope, from COVID.

This last year, who could imagine that we would have a time with no hugs, no handshakes, no ability to meet you in person and enjoy learning with and from you. We have had a completely virtual meeting that has been a resounding success. And these gains and engagement that we have been forced to imagine and be creative with – and I cannot even begin to thank the ISN staff and IT for their vision and tireless work to make this happen – do not mean that this is a one-time accomplishment. We have had more countries participating in this World Congress of Nephrology, than any other World Congress, made possible because we were virtual.

We will continue to build on all the positive things that we have gained through necessity and dramatic creativity in this past year. The way we will accomplish our goals – to be able to build capacity and bridge gaps and increase our sense of community – is by using your talents, passion and creativity and working together.

I look forward very much to working with you and for you as I take over as your President of the ISN.

Thank you very much for this honor and privilege.”