Melbourne hosts international congress on child protection

November 18, 2025

The International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect will be hosted in Melbourne in 2026, bringing over a thousand multidisciplinary professionals from around the world to the city to discuss this crucial topic at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked closely with the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect (ISPCAN) and the Australian Childhood Foundation to secure the conference, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia.

ISPCAN is a global membership organisation for people working in the protection of child rights, with a focus on finding innovative, child-centred solutions to ensure all children have the chance to thrive, no matter what their experience. The annual International Congress brings together the brightest minds in child protection to share best practices and advocate for better public health systems to improve the prevention, detection, and response to child abuse and neglect.

Victoria is the ideal location for these important conversations, as a state committed to the protection of children and to public policy designed to eradicate child abuse and neglect. The International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect further highlights Melbourne’s role as a platform for holding important conversations and hosting business events that support public health and wellbeing. The city will also host the World Conference on Health Promotion in 2028, attracting 1,500 delegates, and a series of health and medical research conferences including the Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress 2026.

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“We’re proud that Victoria has been selected to host this congress, our state is well placed to welcome global experts and advocates with world-class facilities and our focus on child safety and wellbeing.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“Our city is recognised globally for its expertise in hosting impactful international events, and we are committed to providing a platform for meaningful collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This congress will not only drive important conversations and innovation in child protection, but also deliver significant social and economic benefits for Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect Chief Executive Pragathi Tummala

“School shootings, violence in all forms and many issues are overwhelming every community. Sadly we are getting numb to it. Prevention and solutions are possible, but there needs to be urgent prioritization of the public health approach to child protection. ISPCAN with our local partners like ACF bring together knowledge, research and best practice so we know what to invest in and how to mobilize our sectors to work best together. We are excited to leave a lasting legacy in Melbourne in 2026 to improve the safety net for children in this region.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Childhood Foundation Chief Executive Janise Mitchell

“The Australian Childhood Foundation is proud to be co-hosting the ISPCAN Global Congress in Melbourne in 2026. Now more than ever the protection and safety of our children and young people must be firmly on both government and community agendas. In these increasingly complex times children’s rights and needs must be central to decision-making, solutions must be co-designed with them, and we must continue to critically examine what works. We look forward to the opportunity to showcase local, regional and global efforts to address the child abuse and neglect in all its forms as part of the conversation at the Congress next year.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Acting Managing Director Robin Mack

"The International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect has been secured with support from Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program. When this world-leading event takes place in Melbourne next year, it will facilitate crucial discussions that lead to meaningful, tangible outcomes. We are confident the Congress will leave a profound and enduring legacy, both locally and around the globe."

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Media enquiries:

Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau

T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]