ACFID National Conference 2026

About this event

ACFID National Conference 2026 Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future 2026 marks a period of significant change for international development and humanitarian action. The systems that shape global cooperation, poverty reduction, and humanitarian response are under increasing strain, alongside rising climate impacts, protracted crises, and shrinking civic space. In Australia, political and economic pressures, declining public trust, and a contested information environment are reshaping how the sector operates and engages. The ACFID National Conference creates an important collective moment for the sector to respond with focus and intent. It brings together organisations, leaders, practitioners, and partners to ground ourselves in shared values, strengthen relationships, and engage directly with the systems shifting our operating environment. The conference centres a clear imperative to mobilise the collective power of the sector to influence change, build public trust, and reinforce the role of development and humanitarian action in advancing justice. Across three days in Canberra, the conference program will feature plenary and concurrent sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, alongside an exhibition space. The program will elevate locally led and underrepresented perspectives, strengthen the sector’s collective voice, and support organisations to adapt with confidence while contributing to systems‑level change. An outline of the agenda for the week is below: Day 1: Monday, 12 October • Australian NGO Showcase at Australian Parliament House ACFID Members will receive further details, including on how to apply to showcase their work, in due course. • ACFID Conference Opening Dinner – Uniting for a Safer World for All Day 2: Tuesday, 13 October • ACFID 2026 Annual General Meeting ACFID Members only • Conference Main Program • ACFID Awards Reception Day 3: Wednesday, 14 October • Interfaith Breakfast • Conference Main Program Join us in the national capital for three days of focused engagement, critical reflection, and collective ambition, as we mobilise the sector’s shared strength to reshape systems and advance a just future.