Hosted on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People, this milestone event promises a rich program of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural celebrations dedicated to the belief that children’s books are a vital vehicle for understanding across cultures.
A Global Lineup of Keynote Speakers
The Congress features a distinguished roster of keynote speakers who embody the diversity and depth of the field:
- Sydney Smith (Canada), the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award winner for Illustration, will open the keynote series with “Sharing Stories: The Power of Picture Books to Transcend.”
- Khodi Dill (Canada) will explore the intersection of hip-hop and literacy in “Black Ink: Exploring the Power and Potential of Lit-Hop.”
- Evelyn Arizpe (UK/Spain) will address displacement and critical contexts in Latin America.
- Fikile Nxumalo (Canada) will lead a session on intergenerational encounters with climate action.
- David A. Robertson (Canada) will close the keynote series with a powerful talk on representation.
The program also features special addresses by Monica Ittusardjuat (Inuk storyteller) and closing reflections by child soldier survivor and author Michel Chikwanine and award-winning author Jean-François Sénéchal.
Celebrating Literary Excellence
The Congress will be the stage for several prestigious international awards:
- The 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Awards, the highest international recognition in children’s literature, will be presented to author Michael Rosen (United Kingdom) and illustrator Cai Gao (China).
- The IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award will recognize Kirsten Boie (Germany) and Namita Jacob (India) for their lifelong commitment to literacy.
- The IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award will be bestowed upon the LINKS Philippines Hooked on Books Program for its innovative community-driven literacy model.
Special Events and Indigenous Leadership
True to its theme, the Congress places a strong emphasis on Indigenous voices and reconciliation. Events include:
- A traditional Sunrise Ceremony led by Elder Barry Sarazin.
- Celebrating Indigenous Voices, an evening dedicated to the launch of the IBBY-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books in Indigenous and Endangered Languages, featuring readings by Sámi author Moa Backe Åstot and young Indigenous voice Yekaronyohs.
- A vital Children in Crisis Panel Discussion, featuring IBBY leaders like Basarat Kazim and Shereen Kreidieh, addressing the use of bibliotherapy in conflict zones.
Join the Conversation
From the opening Sunrise Ceremony to the final closing remarks, the 40th IBBY World Congress aims to create a space where every voice is heard and every story matters. While the event is primarily for registered delegates, the spirit of the Congress extends to readers and educators worldwide.
For more information on the program and to follow updates, visit ibbycongress2026.org.
