WCOA 2026 will take place from November 17–20, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. The Korean Institute of Certified Public Accountants (KICPA) and IFAC will serve as joint hosts, working closely to welcome professional accountants from around the world for the event.
Starting in 2026, the World Congress of Accountants will have a new biennial format, wherein the event will be held every two years. In-person participation in WCOA 2026 is invitation only. Participants will have the opportunity to join in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and hear from distinguished subject-matter experts. The event will include opportunities to attend networking events, to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals from various sectors. In-person WCOA 2026 attendees will be composed of IFAC PAO leadership (staff and volunteers), professional services firms, standard-setters, regulators and other government officials, representatives of multilateral and development agencies, and the business and investor communities. Select sessions will be livestreamed so that virtual attendees are included in these important conversations.
What is the World Congress of Accountants?
The World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) is the flagship event for the global accountancy profession. The event brings together global representatives from accountancy and the wider financial ecosystem to strengthen the global accountancy community and work together to shape the future of the profession in the public interest. Attendees will take part in plenary sessions, expert panels, and networking events focused on advancing high-quality reporting, governance, and business practices to address emerging risks and opportunities in the global financial ecosystem.
IFAC’s World Congress of Accountants provides:
- A platform for thought leadership and best practice: Showcasing insights and innovations shaping the future of the accountancy profession.
- Collaboration and dialogue: Enabling meaningful exchange among standard-setters, regulators, firms, and global stakeholders.
- Networking opportunities: Connecting leaders and professionals across sectors to build partnerships and drive collective progress.
Previous WCOAs have taken place in Mumbai, India (2022), Sydney, Australia (2018), Rome, Italy (2014), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2010).