Circumcision is the oldest and most frequent surgical procedure in the world. In some cultures, it marks a clear break from childhood to adulthood. Historically, circumcision has often been associated with improved hygiene by both the medical community and the community at large, includes the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI), decreased acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as decreased transmission of human papilloma virus (HPV), syphilis and herpes. This conference provides an opportunity for physicians, as well as all trained health care providers whether they are surgeons, nurses, technicians or traditional circumcisers, will benefit from the sharing of perspective and insights into best practices for circumcision. Significant time has been set aside to review performance and efficiency in performing circumcision, including neonatal circumcision, as well as effective interaction with parents during the prenatal and neonatal periods. Amidst the debate on whether the benefits of circumcision outweigh risks, regardless of the reason for circumcision and irrespective of geographical, ethical and socio-economic boundaries, circumcision continues to be one of the commonest surgical procedures performed globally, whereby all physicians and practitioners performing the procedure have a responsibility to demonstrate ongoing competency, including managing complications, as well as adequate pain control during the procedure in order to deliver effective and safe circumcision programmes.