General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) 2026

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Congress 2026 updated
 

Final Agenda and Attachments

Reports for the GAD

Minutes of the 2025 Alternate GAD in Stockholm, Sweden


It is with great pleasure that the IFBLS Board of Directors announces that the 2026 General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) and Chief Delegates Meetings will be held in conjunction with the 36th IFBLS World Congress at the Makihuri Messe Conference Centre in Chiba, Japan.

We extend a warm invitation to IFBLS Chief Delegates to join us from 23rd to 27th September 2026 for our annual meetings. This year's agenda includes the GAD & Chief Delegates Meeting, Open Forum, and the Election for the IFBLS Board of Directors 2026-2028.

As 2026 marks an election year, we urge all Association Members to engage in this significant process. Your participation is vital in shaping the future direction and governance of our organisation. The deadline to submit nominations has now closed. For more information on this year's election and candidates, please visit our election page here. 

We anticipate our meetings to be filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of our achievements over the years. The presence and active participation of Chief Delegates from our 38 Association Members will contribute immensely to the success of the meetings.

Important Meeting Dates: 

  • Wednesday, 23 September 2026      09:00 am – 12:00 noon           IFBLS Open Forum
  • Wednesday, 23 September 2026      13:00 pm – 15:00 pm              IFBLS Chief Delegates Meeting (Day 1)
  • Thursday, 24 September 2026          09:00 am – 10:00 am              IFBLS Chief Delegates Meeting (Day 2)
  • Thursday, 24 September 2026          17:00 pm – 19:00 pm              IFBLS Chief Delegates Reception (details to follow)
  • Sunday, 27 September 2026             09:00 am – 10:30 am              IFBLS General Assembly of Delegates (GAD)
  • Sunday, 27 September 2026             09:00 am – 10:30 am              IFBLS Election 2026-208 (during the GAD)

Who's Eligible to Attend:

As a registered non-profit organization in Canada, under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNAC), we are required to hold annual business meetings­ each year with our Association Members. It is at these meetings that we present the work of IFBLS in the past year, review the current financial statements, pass a budget for 2027-2028, elect a new Board of Directors for 2026-2028, and discuss the future work of IFBLS. 

These business meetings are a legal requirement under Canadian law, and as defined in the IFBLS By-Laws, one officially designated Chief Delegate of each National Association, and limited invited guests are eligible to attend.

Intent to Participate and Credential Certificate forms have been circulated to each Association Member. It is on these forms that they will officially designate their Chief Delegate for the GAD 2026 meetings, and if applicable, name a maximum of two (2) additional attendees from their organisation.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We look forward to welcoming Chief Delegates in Chiba, Japan.
 
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Excerpts from the IFBLS By-Laws regarding the GAD
 
General Assembly of Delegates (GAD)
The General Assembly of Delegates (GAD) is held biennially at a location and on a date or dates determined by the Board of Directors (BOD) and approved by the membership as defined in the IFBLS Bylaws. The date is determined in collaboration with the host for the Congress. English is the official language of the meeting. Translation services are not provided by IFBLS. Traditionally, the meeting is held in two parts (Open Forum and GAD) on different days, in conjunction with the biennial congress.  Association and Group Members shall provide the IFBLS Office with the name of their Chief Delegate/Official Representative at least thirty (30) days prior to the GAD. The Office will prepare document packages containing additional reports and information items for these delegates.
 
Purpose of the GAD
At the formal GAD, the elected Board of Directors reports to Associate Members on the IFBLS’s progress since the last meeting and receives feedback from the delegates. The financial report, budget, and reports from Open Forum are presented. The new Board of Directors is elected during the GAD. The GAD also provides an opportunity for delegates to debate current issues and provide the Board with direction for future activities.
 
Notice of the GAD
Notice of the GAD shall be given to the Associate Members not less than six (6) months before the day on which the meeting is to be held. Notice will be sent by the Executive Administrator using electronic format (e-mail) unless otherwise instructed by the member. Notice of the GAD shall include the date, time, and location of the meeting, as well as the following information items: Provisional Agenda, Election Announcement, Process for Nominating Board of Directors, and Request for Agenda items as defined in the by-laws.
 
Agenda of the GAD
A final copy of the agenda shall be sent to all Associate Members at least two (2) months before the date of the GAD. Reports and relevant information available at the time of this mailing should be attached. The recipient is responsible for ensuring that documents are circulated to Delegates attending the GAD.