17 & 18 NOVEMBER 2026
"From Isolation to Inclusion: A Global Leadership Congress"
The Global Meeting Point for Modern Education
Building on the momentum of Almaty 2025, IFIP brings its 140-country network to Sydney. We focus on the "20% imperative"—the one in five learners currently excluded by systemic barriers.
This Congress dismantles education silos, bringing University Provosts, School Leaders, and National Policymakers to the same table.
"The systems that succeed in the modern world are those that maximise the potential of every learner. We are building the capability of the international education workforce."
— Daniel Sobel, Founder of IFIP
A Global Stage:
Notre Dame Sydney
Hosted at the University of Notre Dame Australia, our "Borderless Campus" venue blends heritage architecture with modern facilities.
Explore Venue & Delegate Information →Strategic Congress Tracks
Track 1: Global Leadership & Inclusive Education Systems
[+]Exploring how policy, governance, and international collaboration can dismantle educational silos and strengthen global systems.
- International Education Diplomacy: Strengthening cross-sector dialogue between schools, universities, and governments.
- Systemic Change: Embedding inclusion within national policy and institutional governance.
- Global Research Networks: Leveraging partnerships to drive innovation and opportunity.
- The 20% Imperative: Addressing the 1-in-5 learners currently excluded by systemic barriers.
Track 2: Inclusive Pedagogy & Neurodiverse Learners
[+]Strengthening the capability of educators to support the 20% of neurodiverse learners within contemporary classrooms.
- Evidence-Based Pedagogy: Implementing practical, high-impact teaching strategies for mainstream environments.
- Differentiated Instruction: Maintaining high academic expectations while supporting diverse learning profiles.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Bridging the gap between Allied Health research and daily teaching practice.
- Engagement & Wellbeing: Strategies that strengthen student achievement and emotional resilience.
Track 3: Future-Ready Learning Environments & School Improvement
[+]Moving beyond the classroom to design school cultures and physical/digital spaces where inclusion is embedded by design.
- Whole-School Culture: Leadership strategies that drive both equity and institutional excellence.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Creating physical and digital environments accessible to all.
- Digital Accessibility: Leveraging modern learning design to remove barriers to participation.
- Institutional Accreditation: Benchmarking school improvement against global inclusion standards.
Track 4: Connected Learning: Attendance, Isolation & AI-Enabled Inclusion
[+]Using technology to maintain continuity for students facing school refusal, medical isolation, or geographic barriers.
- The Borderless Community: Using AI and virtual classrooms to keep vulnerable learners connected to their peers.
- Addressing Disengagement: Innovative responses to school attendance challenges and social withdrawal.
- Specialist Learning Hubs: Models for hospital schooling, rural/remote education, and home-bound support.
- Continuity of Learning: Building partnerships between schools, health services, and tech innovators.
Who Should Join Us?
Governments & Regulators
Shape National Policy Standards
Higher Ed Leaders
Inclusive Campus Models
School Leaders & Boards
Secure Institutional Excellence
CSR & Philanthropy
Fund High-Impact Projects
Practitioners & Educators
Join the Global Fellowship
EdTech Innovators
Showcase AI Solutions
Programme Overview
November 2026
Pre-Conference Workshop: Stories of Inclusion
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Join internationally recognised inclusion expert and best-selling author Daniel Sobel for an exclusive small-group waterfront lunch focused on sharing experiences of educational success, inclusion and strengthening partnerships between schools, allied health professionals and families.
This intimate leadership conversation welcomes educators, allied health professionals, school leaders and families interested in meaningful discussion, professional connection and collaborative approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people.
Lunch is included, with beverages available for purchase at bar prices.
Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 30 participants to ensure a highly interactive and personalised experience. Registrations for this experience are required by Friday 17 October 2026.
IFIP and Group Booking discount codes may be applied.
Day 1: Global Policy Forum
The World Inclusion Congress Sydney 2026 brings together internationally recognised leaders committed to advancing inclusion, wellbeing and educational transformation.
Leading the Congress is Daniel Sobel (UK), Founder and CEO of IFIP, internationally acclaimed author of The Inclusive Classroom, and one of the world’s leading voices in inclusive education. Through IFIP’s global network spanning more than 130 countries, Daniel’s work has influenced schools, education systems and governments worldwide. Joining him is Donna Wright, award-winning Australian Principal of the Year, UNESCO inclusion speaker and internationally respected educational leader recognised for her work in inclusive education, school improvement and student wellbeing. The Congress is further supported by eminent Australian and international leaders including Adrian Piccoli (Former NSW Minister for Education), Paul Teys (Education System Leader and International Author), Adam Guastella (Leading Australian Psychologist and Professor, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney), Margaret Thorsborne OAM (International Specialist in Restorative Practices), together with distinguished international guests including Sharon Gray OBE (International Author and Speaker) and Roger Mitchell (Executive Principal and International Speaker), to name just a few. Across two dynamic days, delegates will engage in world-class keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions and high-level networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and provide practical, evidence-informed strategies for schools and communities worldwide. Two days not to be missed.
Optional Event: Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise
$240 (inclusive of GST) plus booking feeTue 17 Nov (6:30pm): Connect with fellow delegates, speakers and international guests while enjoying an unforgettable evening cruising Sydney Harbour in a relaxed and informal setting.
This exclusive networking experience provides an opportunity to continue conversations, share ideas and build professional relationships beyond the Congress program while taking in some of Sydney’s most iconic harbour views at night.
Delegates will meet at Circular Quay, with final wharf details to be confirmed closer to the event. Dinner includes refreshments, including wine, beer and soft drinks.
Places are limited to a maximum of 140 delegates. Registrations for this experience are required by Friday 17 October 2026.
Full Delegate Price ($240 inclusive of GST) plus booking fee.
Max 140 delegates. IFIP and Group Bookings Discount Codes may be applied.
Day 2: Implementation
The World Inclusion Congress Sydney 2026 brings together internationally recognised leaders committed to advancing inclusion, wellbeing and educational transformation.
Leading the Congress is Daniel Sobel (UK), Founder and CEO of IFIP, internationally acclaimed author of The Inclusive Classroom, and one of the world’s leading voices in inclusive education. Through IFIP’s global network spanning more than 130 countries, Daniel’s work has influenced schools, education systems and governments worldwide. Joining him is Donna Wright, award-winning Australian Principal of the Year, UNESCO inclusion speaker and internationally respected educational leader recognised for her work in inclusive education, school improvement and student wellbeing. The Congress is further supported by eminent Australian and international leaders including Adrian Piccoli (Former NSW Minister for Education), Paul Teys (Education System Leader and International Author), Adam Guastella (Leading Australian Psychologist and Professor, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney), Margaret Thorsborne OAM (International Specialist in Restorative Practices), together with distinguished international guests including Sharon Gray OBE (International Author and Speaker) and Roger Mitchell (Executive Principal and International Speaker), to name just a few. Across two dynamic days, delegates will engage in world-class keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions and high-level networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and provide practical, evidence-informed strategies for schools and communities worldwide. Two days not to be missed.
Optional Cultural Experience
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, followed by a scenic ferry journey across Sydney Harbour to Taronga Zoo Sydney.
This optional cultural experience offers delegates the opportunity to experience some of Sydney’s most internationally recognised landmarks while connecting with fellow attendees in a relaxed and memorable setting.
Entry to both experiences and the ferry is included.
Places are limited to a maximum of 100 delegates. Registrations for this experience are required by Friday 17 October 2026.
Full Delegate Price ($300 inclusive of GST) plus booking fee
IFIP and Group Bookings Discount Codes may be applied
Post-Conference: Sydney Schools Tour
Session Times: 9:30am & 12:30pm
As part of the World Inclusion Congress Sydney 2026, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in optional visits to selected Australian schools recognised for their innovative and inclusive educational practices. These visits are designed to provide authentic insight into contemporary Australian education, allowing delegates to observe learning environments, student wellbeing approaches, inclusive practices and leadership strategies in action.
Delegates will have opportunities to engage directly with school leaders and educators, explore approaches to inclusion and student support, and reflect on how educational innovation can be applied within diverse international contexts. School visits are expected to include a range of government, Catholic and independent school settings.
Registrations for this experience are required by Friday 17 October 2026.
Travel is not included; however, local Uber services and public transport options are readily available.
Places are limited to a maximum of 50 delegates.
Full Delegate Price ($50 inclusive of GST) plus booking fee.
IFIP and Group Bookings Discount Codes may be applied
Featured Speakers
Peter Maclean
(NSW, Australia)
Professor Adam Guastella
(NSW, Australia)
Dr Paul Teys
(NSW, Australia)
Cheryl Lacey DGSJ
(Vic, Australia)
Satara Uthayakumaran
(NSW, Australia)
Margaret Thorsborne OAM
(Qld, Australia)
Sharon Gray OBE, NLE
(London, UK)
Brendon Hyndman
(NSW, Australia)
Rose Carter
(London, UK)
James Cavanagh
(Tas, Australia)
Thomas Keaney
(Ireland)
Roslyn Dotterweich
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Roger Mitchell
(London, UK)
Donna Wright
(NSW, Australia)
Daniel Sobel
(London, UK)
Secure Your Delegate Pass
Prices inclusive of GST. Booking fees apply. See Programme Overview for full details.
Early Bird rates available for the first 100 registrations.
Standard Rate
Full Access Pass
Standard Admission
Early Bird
Full Access Pass
Standard Admission
Research & Awards
Register by
17th August 2026
Discount Codes
10% IFIP Fellows [WICIFIP]
20% Group Discounts [WICG]
20% Award Applicants [WICR]
Register Now
Optional Add-on Activities
Enjoy a full week programme in Sydney
Innovation Showcase & Sponsorship
The WIC Sydney 2026 Innovation Showcase is where research meets practice. Strategic opportunities are available, from Lead Partners to Exhibition Pods.
Download Sponsorship Prospectus