Help us build a more integrated early childhood system that ensures the wellbeing of every young child.
ISSA Conference 2026 is a landmark gathering that will bring together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civil society leaders, and advocates from across the globe to explore how we can build stronger and integrated early childhood systems that place every child’s wellbeing at the center. The conference is also an official event on the journey to the first-ever
International Finance Summit for Early Childhood in 2027, where countries will be invited to talk about the planning of their commitments in advance of the Summit and their involvement in the
Act for Early Years campaign.
PLEASE NOTE: For this year’s conference, in-person capacity is limited, so please be sure to reserve your ticket early. Online tickets are also available.
Over two days, from October 22-23, we will come together to learn, collaborate, and shape solutions that strengthen early childhood systems across sectors. We are also planning pre-conference events on October 21st,which we will announce later.
This year’s conference will introduce dynamic, highly interactive formats, including:
- Integration labs and policy–practice hackathons
- Experience-based dialogues and collaborative sessions
- Opportunities to co-create practical, actionable solutions that extend beyond the conference itself.
Together, participants will explore how governance, financing, and relationships across sectors—such as health, education, social protection, and family support— horizontally and vertically in the early childhood system canwork in better coordination to support young children and their families.
Starting today, you can now explore:
- Registration information (including early bird rates)
- The Call for Contributions — share your work and contribute to shaping the program
- Key conference dates and deadlines
- Practical information to help you plan your journey to Lisbon
Empty space, drag to resize
Important Dates:
- Call for Contributions opens: 10 March 2026
- Submission deadline: 10 April2026
- Early Bird registration available until: 31 July 2026
Empty space, drag to resize
Visit the website to discover everything you need to participate, contribute, and share this opportunity with your networks.
We warmly invite you to join us in Lisbon—and help shape stronger, more coordinated early childhood systems for every child.
Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues and partners who may wish to attend or contribute.
We look forward to seeing you there!
