The Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics, University of the Witwatersrand, and the Congress Africa Hosting Committee look forward to welcoming you to the 18th World Congress of Bioethics (WCB), which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 8 to 10 July 2026.

The WCB will be preceded by the Feminist Approaches to Bioethics Congress, 6 - 7 July 2026

The congress format will be partially hybrid, allowing for either in-person attendance or a virtual attendance option, with remote access to some sessions synchronously and access to the full set of recordings of sessions.

The Congress Hosting Committee consisting of people from several African countries, is responsible for planning and overseeing both Congresses. The Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics is the local hosting institution. Since this is the first time the WCB and FAB will take place in Africa, we want you to experience the hospitality of the African continent, not just of a single country.  After all, Africa comprises nearly one-fifth of the earth’s land surface, and is home to over a billion people, living in 55 national states and speaking 3000 languages.
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, with 5.5 million inhabitants. The city is also home to 6 million trees and has been called the largest human-made forest in the world. The city has always been known as a melting pot of cultures, religions and traditions. It is over a mile above sea level, and can get cold in July, but winter days in Johannesburg are mostly dry and sunny. 

—  We look forward to welcoming you to Africa in 2026  —