Melbourne has won the bid to host Women Deliver 2026 on behalf of Oceania Pacific, marking the first time this influential conference will be held in the region. The successful bid was spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in collaboration with the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, with support from the Federal Government, Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program and Oceanic Pacific stakeholders.
Taking place between 27 and 30 April at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this landmark event will see more than 6,500 delegates from across 170 countries converge to provide a robust civic space dedicated to advancing gender equality and the health and rights of women and girls.
As one of the largest and most significant global conferences on gender equality and women’s rights, Women Deliver 2026 presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance the global movement for gender justice and reproductive health, creating space for critical dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking. The triennial conference serves as a catalyst for change, uniting leaders, advocates and organisations to drive meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to girls, women, and gender diverse people.
Building on its successful hosting of a smaller regional Women Deliver convening in 2023, Melbourne’s bid highlights its ability to deliver world-class events that make a lasting impact. This three-day event will amplify the voices of the Oceania Pacific region in global conversations about gender equality while forging connections between the region’s businesses, governments, and communities.
As a leading global advocacy organisation in gender equality, Women Deliver is dedicated to promoting the bodily autonomy and health of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Its mission focuses on empowering individuals to exercise their sexual and reproductive health and rights, ensuring they can lead safe, healthy, and fulfilled lives.
Women Deliver Conferences are renowned for fostering unity, energy, and bold ideas to address critical global challenges. This influential gathering, featuring hundreds of sessions as well as a diverse range of exhibitors and activities, will tackle key topics such as reproductive health, the empowerment of marginalised communities and how to build a more just and equitable world, ensuring the event remains a transformative global gathering.
Victorian Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins, shared: “Victoria is a world leader when it comes to gender equality, the prevention of family violence and the gender pay gap – this conference will bring thousands of experts from all over the world to work together with local experts and drive global outcomes for women.”
Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos commented: “Melbourne is looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the globe for Women Deliver in 2026. With our proven track record in delivering exceptional events, the city is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional experiences to a diverse international audience.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive, Julia Swanson mentioned: “We’re delighted to host Women Deliver 2026 in Melbourne on behalf of the Oceania Pacific region. Events like this create a critical platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and networking, empowering participants to drive transformative change and advance gender equality worldwide.”
Women Deliver President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Maliha Khan stated: “We are thrilled to work with our partners in the Oceanic Pacific to bring one of the most influential spaces for gender equality to the region. We look forward to collaborating with and learning from gender equality advocates – including feminist activists, First Nations leaders, and more – to advance the health and rights of adolescent girls and women not only in the Oceanic Pacific but around the world.”
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison said: “Tourism Australia’s Bid Fund Program is helping to secure a strong pipeline of business events and we are proud to have supported the successful bid for Women Deliver 2026. This event will make a significant contribution to the local visitor economy and the Australian visitor economy more broadly.”
For more information on Women Deliver 2026, visit https://womendeliver.org/wd2026/