The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique - FIGO) was established in Geneva in 1954 by Professor Hubert de Watteville, the ‘founding father’ of FIGO.

It is a unique organisation, the only global organisation representing national societies of obstetricians and gynecologists.

Currently, FIGO has Member Societies in 130 countries or territories. Its Secretariat is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Vision

FIGO has a vision that women of the world achieve the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

Mission

FIGO is a professional organisation that brings together obstetrical and gynecological associations from all over the world.

FIGO is dedicated to the improvement of women’s health and rights and to the reduction of disparities in healthcare available to women and newborns, as well as to advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynecology.

The organisation pursues its mission through advocacy, programmatic activities, capacity strengthening of Member Associations, education and training.

FIGO’s overall goals are:

• to improve the health and wellbeing of women and newborn children worldwide;
• to raise the status of women and enable their active participation to achieve their reproductive and sexual rights with access to efficient education and services throughout their life cycle;
• and to upgrade the practice of obstetrics and gynecology through education, training and research to maintain a high standard of professionalism and ethical adherence

FIGO’s considerable global achievements include a staging system for gynecologic tumours (used in hospitals worldwide); ethical guidelines; harmonisation of scientific terminology; numerous General Assembly resolutions; and various major maternal and newborn health initiatives funded by major global donor bodies.