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Community Development in a Chaotic World: Challenge, Change and Collective Action 

We are living through a time of profound global disruption. Political instability, social fragmentation, economic inequality, and environmental crises are reshaping the world in real time. In this context, the role of Community Development is more vital than ever.

The International Association for Community Development (IACD) World Community Development Conference (WCDC) hosted by the University of Glasgow, is a unique global event bringing together all concerned with Community Development, its challenges and contributions.

 

Call for Abstracts

We invite abstract proposals for conference papers, workshops, lightning talks, poster presentations, and other creative opportunities for addressing the key conference themes. The deadline for abstracts is 1st December 2025.

Sign up for Practice Exchanges

Following the main conference, there will be opportunities to take part in a number of optional Practice Exchanges. We are offering delegates the opportunity to sign up for a choice of two 1-day Practice Exchanges in Glasgow, a 2-day Practice Exchange to the Highlands of Scotland, and a 4-day Practice Exchange visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Become an IACD member

Be part of our multi-disciplinary network for Community Development practitioners and connect globally with others working collectively to promote participative democracy, sustainable development, human rights, equality, and social justice, with and for all communities.

 

Pay it forward

We are committed to hosting a welcoming and inclusive conference attracting the widest diversity of delegates. We recognise that participating in an international conference may present challenges for people from different parts of the world. This could be because of cost and in some instances making international payments can be very difficult for people in different countries around the world. By donating through our pay it forward facility you can help others committed to community development to participate in this conference.

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