The region’s most significant diabetes event – the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region (IDF WPR) Congress – will be held in Melbourne in 2026.
The Congress will be held in conjunction with the Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) and co-hosted by Diabetes Australia, Australian Diabetes Society, and Australian Diabetes Educators Association.
The Australian organisations said the event is expected to attract more than 2,500 global leaders in diabetes care, research, education, and advocacy to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over four days from 18–21 August 2026.
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
Delegates will include clinicians, researchers, policy experts, educators and people living with diabetes from across the Western Pacific, the IDF’s largest and most affected region.
With 215 million adults in the Western Pacific now living with diabetes, the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia, the Congress will serve as a critical platform for accelerating action, shaping policy, and forging new collaborations to improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of diabetes.
Putting Diabetes on the Agenda
“This Congress could not come at a more urgent time for Australians living with diabetes,” said Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain.
“The impact of this costly condition is being felt across the nation. 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 world-leading researchers, clinicians and health professionals. It will 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,” Ms Cain said.
Diabetes costs the Australian health system around AU$14.6 billion each year. Experts warn that without coordinated action, the economic and social toll will continue to escalate.
Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos, CEO of the Australian Diabetes Society, said the Western Pacific region is at the epicentre of the global diabetes crisis.
“This Congress is an opportunity to showcase the latest research and evidence-based innovations in prevention, treatment and management. From cutting-edge therapeutics to integrated models of care, the programme will support practical outcomes for health systems and people living with diabetes.”
Australian Diabetes Educators Association CEO Susan Davidson said the Congress which an important professional learning opportunity for healthcare professionals.
“Aligning the IDF Congress with ADC will continue to ensure CDEs (credentialled diabetes educators) and other health professionals have access to the most up to date advice for people living with diabetes,” Ms Davidson said.
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