2,000 scholars from 80 countries gather in Incheon for ISSBD congress

One of the world's most prestigious academic gatherings in human behavioral development has opened in Songdo, Incheon.

The 28th congress of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD) kicked off at Songdo Convensia on Sunday.

The conference, which runs through Thursday, drew roughly 2,000 participants — far exceeding the originally projected 800. About 80 percent of attendees are from overseas, with scholars and researchers from more than 80 countries taking part, making it a major forum for global academic exchange.

This year's theme is "Navigating Human Development in a Changing World: Innovation, Connection, and Well-Being."

Participants are discussing new frameworks for understanding human development amid rapid shifts — including digital transformation, changing family structures, socioeconomic inequality and the climate crisis. The discussions focus on research directions aimed at fostering healthy growth and improving quality of life in future societies.

The Incheon Tourism Organization said it plans to use the event to showcase the city's capacity to host major international conferences and strengthen its global competitiveness, positioning Incheon as a leading MICE destination.

The congress is organized by the ISSBD and co-hosted domestically by a local organizing committee, the Korean Association of Child Studies and the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education.

The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, the Incheon Tourism Organization and the Korea Tourism Organization supported the bid and hosting.

Founded in 1971, the ISSBD congress is recognized as the foremost international event in the field of human behavior and development and is held every two years.

This is the fourth time the congress has been held in Asia and the first time it has come to Korea.