Joint Announcement
World Bar Conference

The International Council of Advocates and Barristers (ICAB), the New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA), and the Australian Bar Association (ABA) have made the difficult decision to cancel the World Bar Conference 2026.

This has not been an easy call. A lot of time, effort and expectation sat behind this event, and we appreciate the commitment shown by organisers, speakers, delegates and partners.

The decision has been driven by the wider global and economic context and the very real impacts it is having on the members of our profession. International conditions continue to make travel challenging for many overseas delegates and speakers, while rising fuel costs are also affecting local members' ability to participate. These pressures have only increased in recent months.

In these circumstances, we believe it is the responsible course to step back. As professional bodies, we have a duty to consider the practical and financial impact on our members and to act with care in difficult times. Proceeding now would place additional strain on people and organisations who are already navigating significant uncertainty, and that does not sit comfortably with our broader social responsibility.

Our commitment to the World Bar Conference, and to its underlying purpose, remains. We are open to revisiting the conference later, when conditions allow for proper engagement and accessibility.

International Council of Advocates and Barristers 
New Zealand Bar Association
Australian Bar Association