Registration is Open!

We hope you are inspired to join us at the 40th IBBY World Congress! 

Registration for Congress is limited, so we strongly encourage early registration at www.ibbycongress2026.org. There you’ll find information about travel, tourism, accommodations, and the Congress program. Here are a few highlights: 

Theme

The theme for the 2026 Congress is Listening to Each Other’s Voices—or Écouter la voix de l’autre in French, Pizindàdidà Ekidong in Algonquin. In a world that is often divisive, this theme speaks to IBBY’s core values of plurality and inclusion. It also aligns with IBBY Canada’s programming and projects, such as From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books and Reading with Newcomer Children program.

Programming

The Congress theme will be incorporated into all of the event programming. With voices from diverse regions and backgrounds, the presentations, panel discussions, roundtables, exhibitions, and workshops will explore six intersectional topics: 

  • Disability
  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour)
  • Migrants | Immigrants | Refugees | Citizenship
  • Mental Health 
  • Gender | Sex | Sexuality
  • Sustainability 

Children’s Book Exhibits

Congress will feature international exhibits that explore the world’s best children’s books, including works by Hans Christian Andersen Award winners and IBBY Honour List selections. These exhibits will complement the announcement and celebration of IBBY’s prestigious literary and reading promotion awards. 

Public Events

Additionally, we will host free public events for children’s literature fans of all ages. An exhibit celebrating 10 years of “From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books” featuring 175 beautiful thought-provoking Indigenous picture books published in Canada over the past 40 years, and a Book Parade and Picnic will spotlight outstanding books from around the world.

See you in 2026!

P.S. Our Congress website includes a special video featuring Canadian “voices” who are excited to welcome you to Canada!

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