The upcoming Congress, themed “What Is a Book For? Reading the World Through Children’s Eyes”, promises to be a profound exploration of reading as a critical, social, and emancipatory cultural experience. Organized by IBBY Spain and promoted by the City of Barcelona—a UNESCO City of Literature since 2015—the event will challenge participants to consider the political and cultural implications of the stories we share. The theme invites a collective inquiry into who decides which stories are told, what place children occupy in cultural life, and how literature can serve as a sanctuary for complexity, imagination, and unity in an increasingly fragmented world.
During the closing session in Ottawa, delegates were treated to a preview video presented by IBBY Spain, outlining their approach to the visual identity of the Congress, beautifully created by illustrator Gusti Rosemffet. The 2028 Congress aims to transcend the conventional conference model, transforming the entire city of Barcelona into an immersive setting for dialogue and celebration. The main venue will be the Fabra i Coats cultural complex, but activities will extend city-wide, incorporating playful, festive, and participatory formats that center children’s voices and perspectives.
The program is set to host over 800 participants and speakers from across continents, featuring more than 100 sessions including plenaries, workshops, storytelling, games, and research presentations. True to IBBY tradition, Barcelona 2028 will also host the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, the IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award, the IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award, and the IBBY Honour List ceremonies.
As the organization looks toward 2028, the spirit of collaboration remains paramount. The successful gathering in Ottawa has laid a strong foundation for the future, and the IBBY community now turns its eyes to the Mediterranean, ready to continue the vital work of bringing books and children together in new and innovative ways.
For more information on the 41st IBBY World Congress, please visit: www.ibbycongress2028.org.
Looking Ahead to the 41st IBBY World Congress in Barcelona 2028!
As the 40th IBBY World Congress in Ottawa drew to a close, the focus of the global community shifted toward the future during a symbolic handover ceremony. IBBY Canada passed the mantle to IBBY Spain, officially inaugurating the countdown to the 41st IBBY World Congress, to be held in Barcelona from 28 September to 1 October 2028. IBBY Spain unveiled their exciting plans for what comes next!
