GP Sri Lanka ‘25 – Sustainability Plan

GP Sri Lanka ‘25 – Sustainability Plan

Making GP Sri Lanka 2025 a Sustainable Conference

The College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka is committed to promoting planetary health and sustainable development. In alignment with this mission, the GP Sri Lanka 2025 Steering Committee has adopted the WONCA Planetary Health Equitable and Sustainable Events Policy to reduce the conference’s carbon footprint and ensure it is a truly green event.

Our goal is to foster environmentally responsible behavior and raise awareness about the critical link between a healthy planet and healthy people – among family doctors in Sri Lanka and international colleagues alike.

Our Sustainable and Planet-Friendly Initiatives

Conference Materials

We aim to minimize paper use and make the conference as paperless as possible.

  • Paperless registration desk
  • Eco-friendly, recyclable sticker name badges instead of plastic badges and lanyards
  • Reusable cloth conference bag for all attendees
  • No printed conference programmes or signage—these will be available on the website and digital displays
  • Abstract book, CPD certificates, and posters will be fully digital
  • Minimal, eco-conscious event decorations
  • Exhibitors encouraged to limit printed materials and use QR codes or digital resources

Food & Beverages

  • No red meat will be served
  • A wide range of vegetarian options will be available
  • No fizzy drinks or alcohol
  • All crockery, cups, and glasses will be reusable—no plastic or single-use items
  • Refillable glass water bottles will be provided in dining and meeting areas—no plastic bottles
  • Measures in place to minimize food waste
  • The hotel will implement strict waste segregation protocols

Reducing Travel Footprint

  • Abstract and oration submissions were handled entirely online
  • Registration and payment processes were conducted digitally
  • The venue is easily accessible by public transport

Promoting Sustainability

  • A dedicated “Green Stall” in the exhibition area will provide information on planetary health and sustainability
  • Special sessions will focus on promoting wellness—for patients and for doctors
  • Speakers will receive plants as tokens of appreciation, reinforcing the sustainability theme

Post-Conference Evaluation

  • An audit will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of our sustainability action plan
  • Key insights and lessons learned will be shared in a post-conference publication

How You Can Contribute

We invite all delegates to support our sustainability goals by:

  • Choosing eco-friendly travel options whenever possible
  • Using the digital programme on your device instead of printing it
  • Taking only the amount of food you can consume to help reduce waste
  • Following the hotel’s waste segregation guidelines