ABC and ESC leadership at ESC Congress 2025, Madrid - Spain
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) are thrilled to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a vibrant new partnership dedicated to advancing equity, innovation, and professional development in cardiology. The agreement was signed during ESC Congress 2025 in Madrid, Spain, and is effective immediately.
"This partnership is more than an agreement—it's a celebration of our commitment to collaboration, diversity, and progress," said Jean-François Riffaud, CEO of the ESC. "Together, we are open doors for our members and communities worldwide, and across all backgrounds. We believe that by joining forces, we can challenge inequalities and drive real change in cardiovascular health."
Anthony Fletcher, MD, President of the ABC, echoed the ESC's enthusiasm : "At ABC we are dedicated to addressing health disparities related to cardiovascular disease in people of color. This MOU aligns with our strategic vision to work with like-minded partners in enhancing cardiovascular healthcare standards and delivering value to our members, the patients they serve, and the broader community. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with ESC."
A Shared Vision for Change
At the heart of this partnership is a shared mission to empower the global cardiology community. The ESC and ABC will work hand-in-hand to:
- Develop and deliver joint professional development programmes and events that bring together clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world
- Promote health equity and reduce disparities in cardiovascular care, with a special focus on underserved and minority populations
- Foster inclusive research and knowledge sharing to spark new ideas and solutions in cardiology
- Advocate for policies that ensure everyone has access to high-quality cardiovascular care
Reflecting on what this partnership means for the cardiology community, Jean-François Riffaud and Anthony Fletcher, MD shared:
"Most importantly, we are championing the value of a diverse health workforce—because when our community reflects the diversity of our patients, outcomes improve for everyone. This collaboration is about supporting, inspiring, and equipping every member of our global cardiology family to deliver the very best care."
