39th IBBY World Congress – Trieste

Trieste, Italy, 30 August to 1 September 2024

“Join the Revolution! Giving Every Child Good Books”

The 39th IBBY World Congress took place in Trieste, Italy, from 30 August to 1 September 2024. Under the theme “Join the Revolution! Giving Every Child Good Books,” the Congress brought together delegates, authors, illustrators, publishers, and young readers from across the world to celebrate, share, and advocate for children’s literature.

Together, we explored how good books can transform lives, break down barriers, and build hope for children in every community.

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Registration Desk
  • Exhibition in Auditorium Generali
  • Congress Coordinator Elisabetta Lippolis
  • Congress Merchandise

Programme and Abstract Book

The 39th IBBY World Congress featured an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers, including Michael Rosen, Roberto Piumini, Telmo Pievani, Stanislas Dehaene, Kate Nation, and Lynne Murray, who shared insights on literature, science, and the power of reading. Special sessions included dynamic round tables, presentations from young readers, and the inspiring IBBY General Assembly. Participants also explored exhibitions celebrating Jella Lepman and other pioneers of children’s books.

Click the cover below to read the full abstract book from the Congress.

IBBY Italia Exhibition "LET US BEGIN WITH CHILDREN. BOOKS AS BRIDGES: a tribute to Jella Lepman" Now Available for Loan

We are delighted to announce that the exhibition "LET US BEGIN WITH CHILDREN. BOOKS AS BRIDGES: a tribute to Jella Lepman" is now available for loan to all IBBY Sections. Curated by IBBY Italia and first presented at the 2024 IBBY World Congress in Trieste, the exhibition offers a fresh look at the legacy of Jella Lepman through the lens of contemporary illustration.

This visually engaging project is an ideal way to showcase and communicate the values and mission of IBBY to a broader audience. Detailed information regarding the terms of rental and technical requirements is available here. All inquiries and booking requests should be directed to IBBY Italy at: ibby.italia@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing this meaningful exhibition travel far and wide!

We invite you to watch the Congress recordings and relive the inspiring moments, groundbreaking ideas, and powerful stories shared in Trieste.

For the full playlist containing keynote speeches and special sessions, click here.

DISCLAIMER: All the videos recorded during the 39th IBBY International Congress are subject to copyright and are authorised by the authors for non-commercial use only, through release on the website and public access channels of IBBY and IBBY Italia ETS.

2024 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.

2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award Ceremony

The most prestigious prize in international children’s literature, recognizing lifelong achievement for authors and illustrators whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s books.

IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award Ceremony

This award celebrates outstanding projects around the world that promote reading among children and young people. Watch the presentation and learn about inspiring initiatives making a difference.

IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award Ceremony

Honouring individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to foster reading habits and love for books among children worldwide. Discover their powerful stories of commitment and creativity.

  • Hans Christian Andersen Awards Ceremony
  • Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing presented to Heinz Janisch
  • Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration presented to Sydney Smith
  • IBBY-Asahi Award presented to ATD Fourth World Street Libraries
  • IBBY-iRead Award presented to Basarat Kazim
  • IBBY-iRead Award presented to Irene Vasco
  • IBBY Forum
  • 2024 IBBY Honour List Presentation

IBBY General Assembly

As part of the 39th IBBY World Congress, the IBBY General Assembly met in Trieste, Italy, bringing together representatives from IBBY Sections worldwide to discuss progress, challenges, and future goals. The Assembly featured the President’s Report, the IBBY Secretariat’s comprehensive update, financial statements, and discussions on IBBY’s ongoing and planned projects. The General Assembly is a vital forum for collaboration and democratic governance, advancing IBBY’s mission to give every child good books.

Executive Committee elections were also held, resulting in the election of Basarat Kazim (Pakistan) as IBBY President for 2024–2026 and Shereen Kreidieh (Lebanon) as President of the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury, alongside a diverse and committed Executive Committee. Ex-officio officers and committee members were also confirmed, including the Chair of the IBBY Trust, Interim Treasurer, Executive Director, and Bookbird leadership. At its first meeting following the Assembly, the new Executive Committee appointed Tina Bilban (Slovenia) and Tucker Stone (USA) as Vice-presidents for 2024–2026 and established the 2026 IBBY Reading Promotion Awards Jury. 

To read the full press release of the election, click here.
 

2024-2026 IBBY Executive Committee

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Organising Committee, IBBY Italia, the City of Trieste, the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and all our partners and sponsors, as well as every volunteer and participant who made the 39th IBBY World Congress a success.

We look forward to seeing you at the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa, Canada, in 2026! Stay connected for news and updates.