The 34th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) will bring together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, people with lived experience, and advocates from around the globe to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and strengthen collaboration in suicide prevention.
The Congress will provide an inclusive, multidisciplinary platform to advance understanding, prevention, and intervention strategies for suicide and suicidal behaviours across diverse cultural and regional contexts. Through dialogue, learning, and collaboration, the World Congress aims to support collective action on this critical public health issue.
Following a global call for nominations launched in June, IASP received 13 submissions from National Representatives and members worldwide by the 10 August deadline. All proposals were reviewed by the Central Office Leadership Team, which evaluated each submission and provided recommendations to a Board subcommittee. To ensure a transparent and conflict-free shortlisting process for the 2027 and potential 2029 World Congresses, the subcommittee was comprised solely of Board members who had no involvement in any of the submitted bids.
Sri Lanka’s successful bid reflects the country’s remarkable journey in suicide prevention. Once recording the highest suicide rate globally in the mid-1990s, Sri Lanka has since achieved the most dramatic reductions in suicide rates ever documented. Hosting the IASP World Congress in Colombo offers an important opportunity to highlight this progress and share key lessons with regional and international partners.
Further details, including the host location, dates, and programme information, will be announced in due course.
