The 4th ICPCN International Conference on Children’s Palliative Care brought together clinicians, researchers, programme leaders, policymakers and advocates from around the world for an inspiring and energising three days of learning, connection and collaboration along with several pre-conference workshops. With participation from 420 delegates from over 50 countries, this year’s conference demonstrated both the growth of and urgency for children’s palliative care (CPC) globally — and the shared commitment to strengthening services for vulnerable children and their families.
Global expertise, shared learning
Across plenary and parallel sessions, workshops, panel discussions, rapid-fire and posters delegates explored some of the most pressing issues in children’s palliative care today:
strengthening CPC in low and middle-income countries- integrating palliative care into universal health coverage
- innovations in pain and symptom management
- advocacy and policy leadership
- family-centred models of care
- bereavement support and communication
- development and training
- strategies for expanding access to children’s palliative care
- the use of technology and AI
strengthening CPC in low and middle-income countriesSpeakers from around the world shared powerful examples of good practice, new research findings, and country-level progress — demonstrating how collaboration continues to accelerate the development of CPC services.
A platform for collaboration
A major highlight of the conference was the spirit of partnership. Delegates consistently emphasised the value of working across borders, sectors and disciplines to reach more children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. Conversations in sessions, hallways and networking spaces sparked new ideas, new research links, and new commitments to shared action.
A collective commitment to action
As the conference closed, one message resonated above all: every child deserves access to high-quality palliative care, no matter where they live. Delegates collectively reaffirmed their commitment to advancing CPC globally — through service provision, advocacy, education and research.
The connections made, knowledge shared, and ideas generated at this year’s conference will continue to shape ICPCN’s work in the months and years ahead. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed, participated and supported this important gathering.
Together, we move forward — united in our mission to ensure that every child has access to palliative care worldwide.
The success of the conference was due to the hard work and commitment of all of our partners, with The Ruth Foundation leading the local team of partners, APHN, St Jude Children’s Hospice, Stanford, the many volunteers and all our sponsors – Thank you to everyone involved – without you all the conference would not have been such a success.
Watch this great opening video from the 4th ICPCN International Conference – Milestones & Horizons!
