Founded in 1955, the WFNS is a professional, scientific, nongovernmental organisation comprising 130 member societies-5 Continental Associations (AANS, AASNS, CAANS, EANS, FLANC), 6 Affiliate Societies and 119 National Neurosurgical Societies- representing more than 49,000 neurosurgeons worldwide.

The mission of the WFNS is to work with its member societies to improve neurosurgical care, training and research worldwide, for the benefit of patients everywhere.

The World Congress of Neurosurgery has been held every second year since 1957. Recent host cities include Bogotá (2022), Beijing (2019 Interim), Istanbul (2017), Rome (2015 Interim) and Seoul (2013). Following the historic congress in Cape Town in 2023 and Dubai in 2025, the global neurosurgical community now looks forward to convening in Bali.