Under the theme “Listening to Each Other’s Voices,” the Congress will explore inclusivity, representation, and sustainability through keynote speeches, workshops, and peer-led discussions.

IBBY Canada has announced submissions for the 40th IBBY World Congress are now open, inviting publishing professionals, academics, and advocates to contribute to a global dialogue on children’s and YA literature.

A Platform for Diverse Voices in Children’s Literature

Under the theme “Listening to Each Other’s Voices,” the Congress – taking place in Ottawa from 6–9 August 2026 – will explore inclusivity, representation, and sustainability through keynote speeches, workshops, and peer-led discussions.

Opportunities for Engagement

Proposals are welcomed in several formats:

Oral presentations (15 minutes)

Panel discussions (3–4 speakers, 45 minutes total)

Roundtables (moderated conversations)

Poster presentations (visual displays for informal dialogue)

Submissions should align with the Congress theme and address at least one of the following topics:

Disability in literature

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) voices

Migration, refugees, and citizenship

Mental health

Gender, sex, and sexuality

Sustainability

The full Call for Papers is available on the Congress website, with a submission deadline of 1 November 2025.

A Stellar Lineup of Keynote Speakers

Selected presenters will join an esteemed roster, including:

Sydney Smith, Hans Christian Andersen Award-winning illustrator

David A. Robertson, IBBY Canada’s 2026 Hans Christian Andersen nominee

Khodi Dill, anti-racism educator and spoken-word artist

Evelyn Arizpe, Professor of Children’s Literature, University of Glasgow

Fikile Nxumalo, Associate Professor, University of Toronto

Hasmig Chahinian, French National Library

A Global Gathering in Canada’s Capital

The Congress will bring together over 350 international delegates for four days of cultural exchange, professional networking, and celebration. As a non-profit dedicated to literacy and equity, IBBY Canada (founded in 1980) continues its mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding through children’s books.

Publishing professionals are encouraged to participate in this landmark event, shaping the future of inclusive storytelling. For details, visit the official Congress website.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.