Melbourne wins International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress

May 01, 2025

Melbourne has been chosen as the host destination for the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress (IDF-WPR Congress) 2026, to be held on 18-21 August. This biennial gathering under the umbrella of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) serves as a pivotal platform for addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our times. 

The successful bid, spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in collaboration with the Australian Diabetes Society, Diabetes Australia, and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia's Business Events Bid Fund Program, underscores the commitment of these lead agencies to driving collective action towards improving diabetes prevention, management, and care. 

The four-day Congress, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is poised to draw over 2,500 esteemed delegates, including international researchers, medical practitioners, educators and policy experts, as well as people with lived experience of diabetes. The event will further enhance Melbourne’s reputation as a hub of medical research excellence and inject an estimated $13 million into the local economy. 

The Western Pacific Region, encompassing 38 countries and territories, grapples with the staggering statistic of 206 million adults living with diabetes. Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia, commanding an estimated annual cost impact of $14.6 billion and posing a significant challenge to Australia’s health system. 
 
Against this backdrop, the IDF-WPR Congress 2026 aims to galvanise efforts to improve the lives of individuals affected by diabetes and prevent its onset in those at risk, facilitate discussions, and drive policy actions. 

Melbourne has a strong history with the IDF, having hosted the successful 22nd World Diabetes Congress in 2013, which saw members of more than 50 parliaments commit to tackling the diabetes worldwide at the first-ever Parliamentary Champions For Diabetes Forum and the release of the Melbourne Declaration, setting a global framework for parliamentarians across the world to cooperate and collaborate on the diabetes agenda. 

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

“We’re backing our business events sector by funding conferences that will bring large numbers of visitors to Melbourne and Victoria in coming years. 

“Our hotels, restaurants and attractions will all benefit as hundreds of delegates experience the best our city has to offer, with the event also showcasing Victoria’s leadership in diabetes education, care, advocacy and awareness on the global stage.”  

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson  

"Melbourne’s selection as the host city is a testament to our city’s reputation as a global hub for international association conferences and medical research, especially in the field of diabetes.  

“With world-class facilities, leading experts, and a dynamic academic community, Melbourne fosters unparalleled collaboration and innovation to ensure the success of global meetings.”  

Quote attributable to Diabetes Australia Group Chief Executive Justine Cain  

“This Congress could not come at a more urgent time for Australians living with diabetes. Hosting this Congress sends a clear message: diabetes is a national and global health emergency, and we are committed to working with the world’s best minds to deliver impact and innovation.  

“This Congress is a chance to hear and learn from the world’s leading researchers, clinicians and health professionals, elevate the voices of people living with diabetes, and shape policies that will save lives and reduce the burden of diabetes on our health system.”  

Quotes to be attributed to Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison

“Supporting the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s successful bid to host the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress 2026 via the Business Events Bid Fund Program presented a huge opportunity for Australian tourism.