Gevorg Tamamyan: Opening speech at SIOP Asia 2025 in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Gevorg Tamamyan, Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief of OncoDaily, President-Elect of SIOP Asia Continental Branch and Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group, shared a post on Facebook:
“President of SIOP Professor Guillermo Chantada,
Chairs of the Local Organizing Committee Dr. Hiba Al-Tarrah and Dr. Ibraheem Abosoudah,
Chairs of the Scientific Committee,
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues and dear friends,
Yesterday, upon my arrival here in Riyadh, I entered my room, opened the refrigerator, and spotted two packs that at first glance seemed like milk. Curious and slightly thirsty, I took one out—like the one I’m holding now—and quickly discovered it wasn’t milk at all, but water. I couldn’t help but smile at this small moment of surprise, as it reminded me of a powerful lesson we often encounter in our work and life: appearances can be deceptive, and the reality we find can be totally different and unexpectedly valuable.
In our field of pediatric oncology, every day we face situations that may initially seem familiar, yet when we go deeper, they often challenge our expectations, make us to think differently, and reveal opportunities for innovation and improvement.
We meet today in Riyadh, a city known for its deep cultural heritage, continuous innovation, and the warm spirit of hospitality. Water holds special symbolism in the Arab world and many other cultures—it represents purity, life, and renewal. Just as water brings life to the desert, our collective efforts bring hope and healing to children battling cancer across Asia and the world.
Asia, home to more than half the world’s children, presents us with enormous challenges, but also extraordinary opportunities. Pediatric cancer care in our region faces unique hurdles—limited resources, uneven access to care, and disparities in outcomes. Yet, through collaboration, innovation, and relentless determination, we have witnessed incredible stories of hope and triumph. These successes remind us that while the challenges are immense, our potential for impact is even greater.
It is both an honor and profound privilege to welcome you all to the Annual Meeting of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Asia Continental Branch. Our shared mission is to ensure every child receives the best possible care regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status and geographic location.
Together, let us build bridges, share knowledge, and amplify our collective voice to advocate for every child battling cancer. Let Riyadh be remembered not just as a city where we convened, but as a turning point where, like water bringing life to an arid landscape, we nourished new ideas and strengthened our resolve for meaningful change.
Thank you for being here, for your passion and dedication, and for sharing in this vital journey.
Welcome to SIOP Asia 2025!”
For more updates from SIOPAsia 2025, follow OncoDaily.
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