it is a great pleasure for us to invite you all to the European congress 3 EUROPAEDIATRICS 2008 will be hosted between June 14th - 17th, 2008 in Istanbul, Turkey. 3 EUROPAEDIATRICS is the European paediatric congress which in the past was organized alternatively by UNEPSA (Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations) and by CESP (Confederation of European Specialists in Pediatrics). The scientific committee will organise a programme which will cover mainly primary and secondary care paediatrics but also seminars and courses on demography of paediatric care, epidemiology of childhood diseases, standards of treatment, and last but not least on organisational strategies aspects aiming at improving paediatric care throughout Europe. Stimulating contributions of well known academic persons and highly qualified scientists will be provided.

Istanbul has been chosen as the city of venue during the General Assembly of UNEPSA in 2004, because it is a city where continents, cultures and history meet. Divided by the Bosphorus it forms the link between Europe and Asia. The history of the city starts as early as 3000 BC. Around 650 BC, Greek colonists established the colony of Byzantium at the mouth of the Bosporus. In 330 AC Emperor Constantine the Great declared Byzantium as capital of the entire Roman Empire. The city was known as Constantinople from where the Romans dominated most important lands in Europe. In 1453 it became the capital of the Ottoman Empire which was among the world's most powerful political entities for six centuries. Today, Istanbul is the most important city of commerce and tourism of the Republic of Turkey. We are sure that you will enjoy our beautiful city with all its colours, sounds and aromas, historic architecture and exotic markets. Let paediatricians meet where the continents and cultures meet!