Congresses

Held every two years, the IBBY World Congress has stood as a beacon for the power of children’s books. Rooted in the vision of IBBY founder Jella Lepman, the Congresses serve to:

• Promote international understanding through the exchange, translation, and appreciation of children’s literature.
• Bring together authors, illustrators, publishers, scholars, literacy advocates, and reading promoters from across the world.
• Champion the fact that children’s books, especially those that transcend borders and languages, can foster empathy, peace, and cultural respect.

The Congress is hosted by an IBBY Section, who imbues the Congress with the spirit of its setting, allowing the host nation to showcase its literary landscape.

The IBBY World Congress proceedings traditionally feature: keynote speeches from renowned authors, illustrators, academics, and literacy advocates exploring current themes in children’s literature, education, and reading promotion; panels and roundtables featuring international voices on topics such as translation, inclusion, literary trends, and the future of storytelling; workshops and forums, locally created by young readers, artists, and professionals for interactive engagement and shared learning.

The IBBY General Assembly convenes during the Congress, serving as the central decision-making body for the organization. Delegates from IBBY Sections review reports, elect new Executive Committee members, and vote on upcoming initiatives.