MSIF 2026 Global Networking Meetings

MSIF held its 2026 Global Networking Meetings in London from 6 to 8 October, with representatives from MS organisations and experts joining in person and online. 

The agenda covered a wide range of issues affecting the global MS community. Participants discussed research, wellbeing and quality of life, fundraising, brain health advocacy and MSIF’s strategy for 2028–2032. The Annual General Meeting and an open meeting of the MSIF Board of Trustees also provided opportunities to discuss the organisation’s work and priorities. 

Workshops and networking sessions were built into each day. The programme combined expert presentations, practical workshops and collaborative discussions designed to share learnings and strengthen the global MS movement.  

Advancing Global MS Research 

The meetings opened with a session on international MS research, where participants explored developments in global research initiatives, the role of lived experience, support for emerging researchers and proposed updates to MS disease course descriptors.

Supporting Wellbeing and Quality of Life 

A workshop on wellbeing and quality of life showcased examples of wellbeing initiatives from MS organisations around the world. Delegates shared different approaches to supporting emotional wellbeing, social connection and quality of life, exploring how programmes can be adapted to different cultural and healthcare contexts. 

Shaping the Future 

Looking to the future, members participated in a strategy workshop to help shape MSIF’s next global strategy. Participants identified emerging opportunities and challenges for the MS movement and reflected on how MSIF can continue to strengthen its impact, support members and amplify the voices of people affected by MS. 

Global Updates 

The meetings also provided opportunities to share progress across the global movement. During MSIF’s Open Board Meeting, participants received updates on international research activities, movement-building initiatives in India, Colombia and Costa Rica, and plans for the next World MS Day campaign – My MS Matters.  

Knowledge Sharing 

Feedback from delegates was positive with all participant survey respondents agreeing that the meetings were useful. 

‘The sharing knowledge and information is in these meetings is precious.’ Kerem, representative from Türkiye Multipl Skleroz

Practical learning was a key focus of the meetings. A fundraising workshop explored the opportunities and challenges of using artificial intelligence in fundraising, while a brain health advocacy workshop brought together participants to share experiences and identify ways to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality care for people affected by MS, NMOSD and MOGAD. The insights gathered will help inform the development of MSIF’s new Brain Health Advocacy Toolkit. 

‘The workshop on brain health was extremely helpful. The discussions were insightful and created opportunities for learning, knowledge-sharing and developing this work collectively.’ Survey participant 

Survey participants also praised the interactive format, the Fundraising Workshop and the online breakout groups. Several comments noted that the translation support and the option to join online helped make the meetings more accessible. 

‘I really appreciated the opportunity to learn about the work of other organisations and hear about their experiences.’ Survey Respondent  

Building Connections  

For some attendees, the value of the meetings went beyond the sessions themselves. Alongside the formal programme, delegates had the opportunity to build new connections, strengthen partnerships and exchange ideas with colleagues across the global MS community. 

‘My takeaway from the meetings are the relationships I have developed here through networking, and the valuable information that has been shared. MSIF has been acting as a catalyst and should continue to be a catalyst.  Smitha, representative from the MS Society of India.  

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of attendees and found the entire event heartwarming. Sharlene representative from MS Australia.  

‘This space is very valuable for us because it makes us feel part of this community.’ Survey Respondent 

Looking Ahead 

We would like to thank all member organisations, speakers and facilitators who contributed to these Global Networking Meetings. Throughout the week, participants discussed key challenges facing people living with MS and learned from each other’s experiences. 

Together, these meetings demonstrated the power of collaboration and the value of coming together as a global community united by a common vision: a world without MS.