Unlocking Human Potential for Optimal Development across the Lifespan: A decade of evidence, innovation, and policy impact
June 8, 2026: Pre-Conference
June 9 - 10, 2026: Conference Dates
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, Nairobi, Kenya
About the Conference
IHD was established in 2015 to advance knowledge about human development, with a particular focus on children, families, communities, and the institutions that support them within resource-constrained regions of the world. As the Institute celebrates its tenth anniversary, this milestone provides a critical opportunity to reflect on its contributions, examine new and emerging evidence in the field, strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships, and co-create pathways for impactful, ethical, and inclusive research and practice in the decades ahead.
The hybrid conference will convene researchers, early-career and established, practitioners, government, multinational agencies, persons with lived experience, civil society organisations, and funders to celebrate progress as well as foster dialogue, collaboration, and shared learning towards advancing human development.
The event will also feature the first annual conference of the African Leadership in Measuring Brain Health for Children and Adolescents, ALMA: a pioneering consortium advancing neuroscience research tailored to Africa’s developmental and public health priorities, with a focus on training the next generation of African brain and mental health scientists.
Registration Open
Be part of the knowledge exchange and collaboration aimed at advancing human development.
Submit Abstract
Present your research and scientific findings, innovations and experiences.
Showcase your Work
Present your organisation’s work to a diverse audience of researchers, practitioners and development partners.
Become a Sponsor
Partner with us to support dialogue, research, and collaboration aimed at advancing human development.
Conference Tracks
Early Childhood Development and Education, ECDE
Scaling Evidence, Systems, and Innovation
Neuroscience
Improving Brain and Mental Health Through Ethical and Responsible Innovation
Adolescent Development and Mental Health
Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations
Climate and Human Development
Building Climate-Resilient Futures
Emerging Technologies in Human Development
Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning
The Human Development Ecosystem
Leveraging Families, Schools, Communities and Workforce for Optimal Human Development
Key Dates
May 29, 2026
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Conference Registration Deadline
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June 8, 2026
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Pre-conference Workshops
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June 9 - 10, 2026
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Conference Dates
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