38th IBBY World Congress - Putrajaya

Putrajaya, Malaysia, 5 - 8 September 2022

“The Power of Stories”

The 38th IBBY World Congress took place in Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 5–8 September 2022, welcoming participants from around the world under the theme “The Power of Stories.” The Congress showcased the transformative role of stories in promoting empathy, education, and cross-cultural understanding for children.

Together with authors, illustrators, educators, publishers, and children’s advocates, we celebrated the universal power of storytelling to connect and uplift young readers everywhere.

  • First Impressions

    Arriving at the Congress Centre

  • First Impressions

    Exhibition area at the Congress

  • First Impressions

    Volunteers preparing the Congress bags

  • Opening Ceremony

    Opening ceremony

  • Opening Ceremony

    Welcome speech by Congress Chairman, Redza Khairuddin

  • Opening Ceremony

    Ellis Vance (USA) receives IBBY Honorary Membership

  • Opening Ceremony

    Opening ceremony cultural program

  • Opening Ceremony

    Opening ceremony cultural program

Programme & Highlights

The Putrajaya Congress featured a rich programme including keynote addresses, lively plenary panels, and diverse parallel sessions. Highlights included a keynote by Dr. Muhammad Haji Salleh on “Pantun: The Unique Power of Malay Poetry,” along with panels on children’s rights to stories, education for migrant children, and the future of IBBY. Cultural activities, local performances, and interactive workshops made the Congress a truly memorable gathering.

2022 IBBY Honour List Presentation

Every two years, the IBBY Honour List highlights exceptional writing, illustration, and translation from across the globe. Celebrate these remarkable creators and the books they have brought to young readers.

2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards Ceremony

Presented to Marie-Aude Murail (France) as Author and Suzy Lee (Republic of Korea) as Illustrator. Marie-Aude is celebrated for her powerful novels and lifelong advocacy for literacy and refugee rights, while Suzy Lee is renowned for her wordless picture books that blend art and storytelling in extraordinary ways.

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Nami Island (Korea), sponsor of the Hans Christian Andersen Award

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Junko Yokota (USA), 2022 HCAA Jury President with Jury Members, Tina Bilban (Slovenia) and Jiwone Lee (Korea)

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Marie-Aude Murail, 2022 HCAA Winner - Author, with her daughter

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Marie-Aude Murail receives her HCAA diploma and medal

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Suzy Lee, 2022 HCAA Winner - Illustrator

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    Suzy Lee, 2022 HCAA Winner - Illustrator

  • Presentation of the 2022 Hans Christian Andersen Awards

    2022 HCAA - Sponsors, Jury Members and Award Winners with IBBY President and IBBY Executive Director

  • Winners of IBBY Awards for Reading Promotion

    Winner of the IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award: Ilitaqsinniq: Nunavut Literary Council (Canada)

  • Winners of IBBY Awards for Reading Promotion

    Winners of IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award: Jane Kurtz (USA) and Zohreh Ghaeni (Iran)

IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award Ceremony

Awarded to Ilitaqsinniq – Pinnguaqta (Canada), a community-based early childhood education program rooted in Inuit values, empowering children from birth to six years old and their families through culture-centered literacy and essential skills.

IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award Ceremony

Honouring Zohreh Ghaeni (Iran) and Jane Kurtz (USA), whose lifelong commitment to promoting reading has transformed countless children’s lives. Zohreh’s “Read With Me” program reaches vulnerable children across Iran and Afghanistan, while Jane’s “Ready Set Go” books bring culturally relevant stories to Ethiopian children in their local languages.

IBBY General Assembly

As part of the 38th IBBY World Congress, the IBBY General Assembly convened in Putrajaya, gathering representatives from IBBY Sections around the world to discuss achievements, challenges, and future priorities. The Assembly included the presentation of the President’s Report, the full report from the IBBY Secretariat, and financial statements, along with important discussions on ongoing and future projects. Executive Committee elections were also held during the meeting, ensuring democratic renewal of IBBY’s leadership and governance. The General Assembly remains a vital moment of collaboration and decision-making to advance IBBY’s mission of giving every child good books.

  • Sylvia Vardell (USA), IBBY President candidate
  • Anastasia Arkhipova (Russia), HCAA Jury President candidate
  • EC candidates
  • Elena Pasoli, EC candidate
  • 2022-2024 Executive Committee
  • Outgoing and incoming Executive Committee

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Malaysian Board on Books for Young People (MBBY), the City of Putrajaya, the Malaysian Convention & Exhibition Bureau, and all our partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose support made this Congress a success.

The story continues! We look forward to seeing you at the 39th IBBY World Congress in Trieste, Italy. Stay connected for future updates.