Dear Colleagues, Esteemed Members and Honored Guests,

It is great pleasure to welcome you to the 2nd International SSES Congress, which will be held in Belgrade on May 22–23, 2026.

Our gathering takes place during a challenging time, marked by increasing threats of mass casualties arising from natural disasters and human actions. This reality compels us to reflect once again on what we do and how we do it.

Emergency surgery encompasses conditions that pose an immediate threat to life or seriously endanger the patient—trauma, bleeding, infection and abdominal sepsis. Although the pathology we face remains unchanged, the role of the emergency surgeon has evolved significantly. An emergency surgeon is now an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, providing individualized, patient‑centered care. Our field is expanding beyond traditional open surgery, increasingly embracing minimally invasive techniques and moving toward a future shaped by robotics. We stand at the forefront of technological advancement, in an era defined by robotic systems and artificial intelligence. Consequently, the responsibilities of an emergency surgeon are more complex than ever before, underscoring the necessity for continuous education, cutting‑edge topics, and robust scientific discussion. Only with this commitment can we prepare future generations for the most demanding surgical challenges.

The Second SSES Congress provides an opportunity for every participant to connect with experts, forge valuable professional relationships, and strengthen long‑standing friendships. Those who confront the reality of emergency surgery each day understand better than anyone how essential it is to have trusted colleagues by your side. Our mission is to foster the exchange of knowledge and ideas—always with the shared goal of improving patient care.

This two‑day congress will feature an intensive scientific program accredited by the Health Council of Serbia. It will take place at the Sava Center, a multipurpose congress venue situated in the heart of New Belgrade’s business district. With its functional design and a total area of 100,000 m², the Sava Center holds a unique place among European congress facilities and stands as one of Belgrade’s most prominent modern architectural landmarks. Finally, the event will be enriched by the renowned hospitality for which Serbia is well known.

We warmly welcome you!

Krstina Doklestić Vasiljev

Congress president 2026