Preview of Speakers at Opening and Closing Ceremonies
We look forward to the opportunity to welcome delegates to 40th IBBY World Congress and gather around the theme of Listening to Each Other’s Voices.
In the opening and closing ceremonies, we will highlight diverse voices from across Canada (that will include some familiar faces from the Congress welcome video). These voices reflect the richness and expansiveness of the conversations we hope will unfold, or will have unfolded, throughout Congress.
We are especially pleased that writer and artist Jay Odjick, from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabe Algonquin community, will be emceeing both events, guiding us through the ceremonies with his warmth and enthusiasm. (Please check out Jay Odjick’s books and artwork here.)
We are honoured to be featuring, so far, in the ceremonies:
Monica Ittusardjuat (Inuit) will share the story Lighting the Qulliq (Inhabit Media, 2019), a wordless picture book showing a grandmother and granddaughter from long ago lighting a qulliq, an Inuit lamp that provides light and warmth to the Earth. Monica Ittusardjuat is a Residential School survivor who grew up in a time when Inuit lived a subsistence way of life, moving camps and following animals where they were plentiful. Monica has 30 years of experience in education and language studies.
Honourable Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells will provide a spotlight talk addressing this year’s theme of Gender, Sex, and Sexuality in children’s literature. Senator Dr. Kristopher Wells is an educator and champion of the 2SLGBTQI+ community who has used research and advocacy to help advance diversity, equity and human rights in his home province of Alberta, across Canada, and around the world.
As part of the closing ceremonies, Michel Chikwanine, co-author of Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War (Kids Can Press, 2015), will speak to the Congress topic of Migrants, Immigrants, Refugees, and Citizenship with reflections of belonging and citizenship in today’s world. Michel Chikwanine was five years old when he was abducted from his school-yard soccer game in the Democratic Republic of Congo and forced to become a child solider. Today, Michel Chikwanine—a dedicated humanitarian and talented storyteller—is a global voice for peace, education, and ethical leadership.
Please look for the announcement of the full programme for the opening and closing ceremonies in spring 2026.
An Incredible Response to the Call for Papers
We received over 300 submissions from more than 50 countries through the Call for Papers which closed on November 1, 2025. The Scientific Committee’s extended review committee is now reviewing each submission. Successful applicants can expect notification in late January or early February 2026.
Gratitude to our Sponsors!
Our heartfelt gratitude to the Edmonton Public Library for their truly exceptional support of Congress. We are honoured by their generosity and partnership!
We would like to extend our thanks to the Métis Nation of Ontario for their support of Indigenous programming at Congress, including their support of the evening Celebrating Indigenous Voices.
With a strong and growing community of support behind the 40th IBBY World Congress, we look forward to welcoming the world of children’s books to Canada in 2026. |
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