MSIF’s 2025 Global Networking meetings

This month MSIF held its 2025 Global Networking Meetings in London, bringing together delegates from 31 countries, both in person and online. The meetings united the global MSIF movement to share progress, exchange expertise, and set its strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond. The meetings took place from 16-18 October 2025 in London, with hybrid participation via Zoom and simultaneous interpretation provided through Wordly. 

Over three days, participants explored key areas of MSIF’s work, engaged in meaningful dialogue, and learned from one another. Sessions and discussions were structured around MSIF’s three strategic aims: advancing scientific understanding, improving access to healthcare and information, and strengthening the global MS movement.  

The 2025 Global Networking Meetings brought together over 80 participants from over 30 countries – a diverse mix of chief executives, board members, lived experience advocates, fundraisers, communications professionals, and organisational development experts – reflecting the full breadth of the MSIF movement. 

Reflections from MSIF’s Chief Executive and Meeting Delegates 

In this video series, MSIF’s Chief Executive, Dr Lydia Makaroff, shares her reflections on the meetings alongside delegates from across the MSIF movement. Representatives from Lebanon, Germany, India, Greece, Canada, and Uruguay speak about what made the 2025 Global Networking Meetings so meaningful, from the sessions that resonated most to the lessons they will carry forward. 

 [Clickable screenshot of video that links to YouTube] 

Implementing the Updated McDonald Criteria 

The meetings opened with the Global Research Strategy session focused on how MS organisations can support the implementation of the updated McDonald diagnostic criteria in clinical practice. The session examined the key updates to the criteria and explored strategies for applying them effectively across different countries. Participants engaged in group discussions on practical ways MS organisations can promote and implement the updated McDonald criteria locally. The session also included a discussion around perspectives and priorities regarding preventing MS.  

Improving MS Diagnosis 

The CEO Expert Group focused on improving MS diagnosis, with MSIF sharing its findings on how the MSIF movement can work together to advance access to timely and accurate diagnosis worldwide. MSIF members from South Africa, Spain, the USA, and Uruguay presented on how their organisations are improving MS diagnosis locally, sharing ideas and practises that can be replicated elsewhere. The discussion examined common global barriers to diagnosis, potential solutions, and how participants can work to improve early and accurate MS diagnosis at a national level. 

People with and Affected by MS Expert Group 

The People with and affected by MS Expert Group focused on wellness practices that support individuals living with MS. The session highlighted learnings and initiatives shared by MS organisations from around the world. Presentations from India, Japan, Argentina, and South Africa showcased a range of wellness programmes designed to meet the needs of local MS communities. In addition, participants took part in a consultation to guide MSIF’s ongoing information and resource work, discussing which wellness materials are most effective and how these can be shared across the global MSIF movement. The session concluded with a guided meditation, offering participants the chance to experience one of the wellness techniques discussed.  

New Members, New board 

The MSIF board met during the meetings to review progress and formally approve the 2026 budget and operational plan, in line with MSIF’s governance procedures and Articles of Association. New MSIF membership applications from MS organisations in Honduras and Argentina were presented to the board on Friday, followed by a vote to approve their membership. MSIF is delighted to welcome the MS Love Foundation Honduras (FEMA) and the Association for the Fight Against MS (ALCEM) as new members of the global movement, bringing MSIF’s membership to 49 organisations across 46 countries. You can learn more about both organisations here. (link to Zoe’s article) 

At the Annual General Meeting on Saturday, Full Members approved the 2024 AGM minutes and voted in the election of Trustees. Of MSIF’s 18 Trustees, seven were up for election this year, including one new nominee, Tim Coetzee from the USA. The results were verified by scrutineers and announced by the Chair of the Nominating Committee. Klaus Høm stepped down from the board, and members expressed their appreciation for his many years of dedicated service. 

 The newly elected board of trustees was formally inducted during its first gathering that afternoon, where members reviewed their key responsibilities and discussed how they will collaborate to further strengthen MSIF’s mission and impact. 

A stronger, broader global MS movement 

MSIF’s Organisational Development and Movement Building Team shared updates on regional work to support MS organisations across Latin America (LATAM), Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including 

• The MENA Training and Leadership Course, which equips MS leaders with the skills to improve access to treatment in their countries. 

• LATAM’s training programme for MS organisations, helping them build capacity in areas such as data management, financial sustainability, and volunteer engagement. 

• An update on the multi-year collaboration with the MS Society of India, highlighting progress in fundraising, partnership building, and organisational strengthening. 

• Progress in the Africa region, including findings from MSIF’s scoping research identifying priorities for MS organisations and their aspirations for the future. This included reflections on how MSIF can better support African countries and integrate more contributions from African MS organisations into its global work. 

All of this activity contributes directly to MSIF’s Strategic Aim 3: building a stronger, broader global MS movement.  

Cross-cutting themes 

Several key themes connected discussions across the three days. Participants emphasised the importance of collaboration between regions to share learning and strengthen the global MS movement. The involvement of people with lived experience in research emerged as a shared priority, with many highlighting the value of co-creation and collaboration in shaping MS priorities. Financial sustainability was another recurring focus, as organisations explored ways to diversify income and build resilience. Finally, digital accessibility and hybrid participation were recognised as essential for inclusion, ensuring that people from all countries can engage fully in MSIF’s work regardless of location, language, or resources. 

Closing remarks 

We are grateful to all member organisations, speakers, facilitators, and volunteers whose contributions made the meetings a success. Across every session, participants demonstrated the strength of collaboration and a shared commitment to a world without MS. 

As we move into 2026, MSIF will focus on practical, efficient collaboration across regions, drawing on shared expertise and peer support to achieve real-world impact. Through thoughtful convening, a united board, engaged members, and strong partnerships, MSIF will continue to deliver its strategy through innovation and collective effort. Our priorities remain clear: advancing research collaboration, strengthening the global movement, and improving access to care and information worldwide.