Melbourne secures World Congress of Universal Esperanto Association

March 03, 2026

The Universal Esperanto Association will host their annual World Congress in Melbourne in 2027, the largest annual gathering of Esperantists from around the world. This event brings together Esperantists to celebrate the Esperanto movement, exchange their experiences and discover the host culture through music, dance, theatre and cinema. 

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked in collaboration with the Australian Esperanto Association and the Universal Esperanto Association to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia. The conference, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract over 800 delegates and have an economic impact of over $8 million. 

Developed in the 1880s, Esperanto is a planned language designed to offer a neutral language that is also easy to learn and that facilitates fair communication between people of different languages and cultures. Used by a global community of speakers for over 130 years, Esperanto is experiencing a period of rapid growth. Its global digital community intersects with digital technologies including translation tools, AI language processing, and online education platforms. 

Home to a diverse and vibrant multicultural community, Victoria is the ideal location for this event focused on language and cultural cohesion. Victoria’s rich tapestry of languages and cultures presents significant opportunities to foster bilingualism and multilingualism, uphold shared values, and build inclusive, socially cohesive communities. 

The World Congress of Universal Esperanto Association joins a growing list of major business events coming to Melbourne. The city will also host the Women Deliver Conference in April, International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress in August, and Data Center World & the AI Summit in September.  

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson

“Welcoming the World Congress of Universal Esperanto Association to Melbourne is a tremendous opportunity for our city to showcase its globally renowned cultural vibrancy and inclusive spirit. As only the second Esperanto World Congress ever held in Oceania, this event highlights Melbourne’s standing as a truly international destination where language, culture and community come together.” 

Quote attributable to Universal Esperanto Association President Fernando Mais Jr. 

“The Universal Esperanto Association is delighted to bring the World Congress of Esperanto to Melbourne in 2027. Melbourne’s cultural diversity, international outlook and strong local Esperanto community make it an ideal host city for our global gathering. We look forward to welcoming Esperantists from around the world to Melbourne/Narrm in 2027!” 

Quote attributable to Australian Esperanto Association President Sandor Horvath 

“After 29 years the Australian Esperanto Association is thrilled to host the World Esperanto Congress for the second time on our continent. We are confident that the event, based on the neutral, easy to learn language Esperanto will strengthen the connection between the people of Australia and people of the wider world.” 

Quote attributable to Melbourne Esperanto Association President Joanna Johns 

“Melbourne Esperanto Association is delighted to welcome the World Esperanto Congress to Melbourne in 2027. We look forward to showcasing our multicultural and inclusive city, and celebrating Esperanto as a language of connection, understanding, and international friendship.” 

Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack 

"Tourism Australia is proud to support Melbourne’s latest international event win through the Bid Fund Program, an initiative that continues to bolster Australia’s visitor economy. The program has been instrumental in attracting $1.38 billion in international business to our shores to date, and is key to maintaining a steady flow of events through to 2029. In an increasingly competitive global market, the Bid Fund ensures Australia remains a top-tier choice when it matters most.” 
 
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Media enquiries:  
Emma Hall, Melbourne Convention Bureau  
T +61 429 553 183 E [email protected]