The Pediatrics for the 21st Century (Peds-21) Symposium Series is an AAP initiative designed to address emerging issues that will impact the practice of pediatrics and pediatric care in the 21st century. Each symposium will focus on a specific topic and will feature a keynote speaker of national or international stature. Other expert speakers will be invited to give scientific and scholarly presentations on key content areas or issues related to the specific symposium's theme.

The goal of the symposia is two-fold. First, the symposia seek to enhance the visibility, clout, and leverage of pediatrics to promote health care policy and decisions that are in the best interest of children. Policymakers, the public, the media, health care payers, health care providers, and other stakeholders will be targeted. Second, the symposia will offer practical guidance and information for the practicing pediatrician on issues that will have a substantial, material effect on their practice and child health.