The International Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Summit is the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the science and practice of social and behaviour change. First convened in 2016, the Summit was created to provide a global platform where practitioners, researchers, policymakers, donors, and communication experts can exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and build partnerships.
Since its inception, the Summit has grown into a vibrant global community of practice, convening thousands of participants from across continents to explore emerging ideas, share field experiences, and strengthen the evidence base for SBCC. The event has become a key space where practitioners collectively shape the future of communication for development.
The International SBCC Summit 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for the global development community. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid a shrinking development funding landscape, the role of strategic communication has never been more critical.
This year’s Summit invites the global SBCC community to reflect on a central question: What does it mean to reimagine knowledge, action, and equity in a rapidly changing SBCC landscape? The 2026 Summit will explore how communication professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community actors can rethink traditional approaches, embrace innovation, and design more equitable systems for knowledge sharing and action.
The Summit explores four key sub-themes:
- Connection and Relationships: Leading Through Community and Collaboration
- Knowledge and Evidence: Rethinking What Counts and Who Decides
- Action and Impact: Mobilizing Systems for Collective Resilience
- Inclusion and Equity: Communication as a Right, Not a Resource.
The objectives of the Summit include advancing global dialogue on the future of SBCC practice and research, strengthening collaboration across sectors and regions, amplifying voices from the Global South and frontline practitioners, and equipping a new generation of communication leaders with the tools and networks needed to drive impact.
Beyond traditional oral and poster presentations, the Summit is introducing innovative formats for knowledge exchange. These include interactive plenary sessions, hands-on skills-building workshops, and “10-minute stories that flip the script,” where practitioners share bold insights and unconventional lessons from the field. The programme also features “Failing Better” sessions that openly examine what did not work and why, creating a candid, supportive space for collective reflection, practical learning, and professional growth.
For young professionals in particular, the Summit presents a valuable opportunity to engage directly with leading experts, gain exposure to emerging methodologies, and position themselves within a dynamic global field of practice.
This commitment to nurturing the next generation of SBCC practitioners is reflected in the Summit’s deliberate effort to make participation more accessible to young people. Youth and student attendees benefit from a discounted registration, with tickets available at a flat rate of $500 regardless of the registration phase, ensuring that early or late purchase does not affect affordability.
CCSI as a Co-chair
After an extensive and competitive selection process, CCSI was selected to help guide the planning, organizing, and execution of a 2026 Summit. CCSI joins the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs as Co-chairs of the event, which is led by a secretariat made up of members from social and behavior change organizations across the globe.
CCSI brings extensive expertise in strategic communication, behaviour change programming, and knowledge of translation across Africa and beyond. As Co-chair, CCSI contributes to shaping the Summit’s agenda, strengthening participation from the Global South, and ensuring that the experiences and insights of practitioners working in complex development environments are meaningfully represented in global conversations.
Why You Should Register
The International SBCC Summit provides you with a global community where ideas evolve into partnerships and solutions.
Participants who attend the 2026 Summit will:
- Engage with leading global experts in SBCC and related disciplines
- Learn about cutting-edge research, tools, and innovations shaping the future of behaviour change communication
- Share their own experiences and lessons with a global community of practitioners
- Build partnerships that can support new programmes, research, and funding opportunities
- Gain fresh perspectives on how communication can drive measurable development outcomes.
What to do in Panama
The 2026 Summit will take place in Panama City, Panama, a vibrant country in Central America where cultures, histories, and ideas intersect.
Panama City offers a unique blend of modern urban energy and rich historical heritage. From the historic district of Casco Viejo, with its colonial architecture and cultural landmarks, to the iconic Panama Canal, the city provides a compelling backdrop for global exchange and exploration. Participants will also have opportunities to experience Panama’s diverse attractions, including:
- Visits to the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most remarkable engineering achievements
- Exploring the National Park, Biomuseum, vibrant markets, art spaces, and local cuisine
- Excursions to nearby rainforests and coastal areas.
A Global Moment for SBCC
The International SBCC Summit 2026 offers a timely platform to reflect, connect, and innovate. As the world faces increasingly complex social and development challenges, the role of communication professionals in shaping behaviour, trust, and collective action will only continue to grow.
For practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and especially emerging leaders in the SBCC ecosystem, the Summit is an opportunity to help define the future of social and behaviour change communication and to be part of a global movement working to transform knowledge into action.