International Safeguarding Conference 2026
A global conference exploring safeguarding across cultures through dialogue, learning and shared practice.
The International Safeguarding Conference 2026 will take place from 16–19 June 2026 at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, under the theme: One Commitment, Many Contexts: Safeguarding Across Cultures.
The conference brings together academics, safeguarding practitioners, religious leaders, educators and advocates from around the world to promote learning and networking, and to foster dialogue on safeguarding through the lens of interculturality. This shared dialogue supports participants in developing more effective ways of responding across diverse cultural and social contexts, particularly within communities with significant migrant populations.
This year introduces a more interactive structure, combining practical application with corresponding theoretical reflection. Online working groups from different regions will contribute to the programme, supported for the first time by the IADC Blended Learning app, enabling participants to share materials such as photos, symbols and reflections from their local safeguarding contexts.
The programme is underpinned by the core safeguarding principles of transparency, accountability and compliance, explored through shared reflection, intercultural exchange and collaborative learning. Working groups will continue these conversations during the conference, supported by expert academic input. The final day will include the Safeguarding Research Lab, featuring a range of research presentations and posters on safeguarding topics.
Support is available for participants from disadvantaged regions, particularly women religious, including possible registration fee waivers and travel or accommodation subsidies (subject to criteria).
Main conference sessions will also be live-streamed free of charge via YouTube and made available on the conference website.
For further information, including registration details, please visit:
👉 www.thesafeguardingconference.org or contact: info@saferchurch.org