THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPANTS!

The World Community Development Conference 2026 – Community Development in a Chaotic World: Challenge, Change and Collective Action was successfully held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 29 June to 2 July 2026, bringing together 415 community development practitioners, academics, students, policymakers, activists and community leaders from around the world.

Delivered through a successful partnership between the International Association for Community Development (IACD) and the University of Glasgow, the conference provided an inspiring platform for learning, collaboration and international exchange. The event would not have been possible without the leadership of Professor Sinéad Gormally, who chaired the conference with vision, commitment and enthusiasm. Her dedication, together with the invaluable contributions of Dr Louise Sheridan, Dr Helen Martin, and other members of the Community Development team, was instrumental in delivering such a memorable and professionally organised event.

At the Opening Ceremony attendees were welcomed to Scotland by Hannah Mary Goodlad, Minister for Public Finance and Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Shetland Islands. Welcomes from both conference partners were given by Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith, on behalf of the University of Glasgow, and by Dr Daniel Muia, IACD Chair, on behalf of the International Association for Community Development. Dr Marion Allison, Director of the CLD Standards Council, Scotland, rooted the conference in a clear focus on the value and importance of community development today.

Over four inspiring days, attendees participated in 134 sessions delivered by an outstanding programme of 228 speakers, exploring some of the most pressing issues facing communities today. Highlights included keynote addresses from Dr Antonia Darder, Professor Alison Phipps, Dr Holly Scheib and Dr Pinar Aksu, whose thought-provoking contributions set the tone for rich discussions on justice, resilience, participation and collective action. 

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, members of the Community Development Journal hosted a Plenary Panel Session on the topic of Community Development in a Turbulent World, chaired by Professor Sarah Banks and Dr Jo Howard with contributions from Janki Andharia, Pushpesh Kumar, M. Renault Islam and Peter Westoby.

An ‘in conversation with’ session with Anastasia Crickley and Avila Kilmurray explored themes of community work and peace building at grassroots and global levels. 

Kate Smith and Ewan Masson outlined the Scottish Parliament’s approach to enhancing public participation and diverse representation in parliamentary decision-making processes.

Over 70 attendees also participated in a range of practice exchange visits over 1 and 2 days. 

The conference welcomed 415 attendees from 32 countries and territories across the globe, reflecting the truly international nature of the community development movement. Participants travelled from countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom and the United States. Coming from universities, community organisations, public bodies and grassroots organisations, alongside students from the University of Glasgow and other institutions, participants created a vibrant environment for learning, collaboration and new partnerships.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the quality of the programme, the smooth organisation of the event, and the welcoming atmosphere. Many highlighted the value of reconnecting with colleagues, building new international relationships, and sharing innovative approaches to community development practice.

The Glasgow World Community Development Conference 2026 demonstrated the strength, diversity and resilience of the global community development movement. It provided a powerful space for reflection, learning and solidarity, leaving attendees inspired to continue working collectively towards more just, inclusive and sustainable communities.

IACD extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered and supported the conference. Together, we celebrated the power of community development and strengthened the global connections that will continue to shape our work for years to come. We also thank our colleagues at the University of Glasgow for their outstanding partnership in making this landmark event such a success.