The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) was officially established in 1964, and for the past 60 years, ESGE has stood for quality, education, scientific rigor, and promoting research in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The ESGE Days annual congress, numerous workshops, webinars, and of course the guidelines, quality, curriculum, education, and research committees have solidified ESGE's position at the forefront of the global endoscopy community.

ESGE comprises 41 national member societies across Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. It has committed to ensuring the adequate representation of all societies, including underrepresented groups and minorities, to promote the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI means that all persons and groups are included and supported based on their needs, irrespective of their background, culture, or beliefs [11]. DEI has been shown to improve satisfaction, efficiency, and productivity within companies and institutions [22]. Moreover, diverse perspectives and an inclusive healthcare environment are associated with better patient care [33]. It goes without saying that DEI are values that must be supported and integrated into all scientific and educational endeavors. Yet, incorporating and representing these values in the everyday practice of scientific societies comes with challenges and hurdles. Representation disparities, equitable access to training, and limited career advancement opportunities remain the stark reality for most underrepresented groups and minorities, especially in interventional endoscopy and academia.

In its constant strive for excellence, ESGE has identified areas for improvement and implemented strategies to further promote and support DEI within its society. Specifically, the ESGE DEI working group was established in 2021 with the aim of creating avenues and establishing initiatives that will strengthen the principles of DEI within ESGE. The present ESGE position statement on DEI in gastrointestinal endoscopy includes 12 statements that will serve as a framework for all ESGE individual members and its national member societies [44] ([Fig. 1Fig. 1]). This position statement is unique because it transcends the strictly evidence-based or best-practice recommendations that are usually an integral part of ESGE documents. The 12 points of the position statement include values of equitable fairness, social integrity, and justice. It emphasizes ethical policies that aim to provide opportunities to all groups and subgroups irrespective of tribe or creed. “Humanitas ante omnia” in its full meaning and with the addition of equitable inclusion across all backgrounds.