The International Conference on Community Engagement (ICCE) 2026 is a global, community-centred platform bringing together universities, communities, government, civil society, industry, and indigenous knowledge systems to co-create solutions to complex societal challenges.

Anchored in the Quintuple Helix model, the conference positions universities as collaborative partners within broader civic ecosystems—working alongside communities rather than leading them. ICCE 2026 is designed to foster ethical partnerships, shared learning, and sustained action toward societal transformation.

Hosted in South Africa, the conference highlights the Global South’s leadership in community-driven innovation, relational engagement, and indigenous knowledge systems.

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WHY THIS CONFERENCE MATTERS

Substance abuse is not an isolated issue—it intersects with poverty, inequality, unemployment, education challenges, and public health systems. Globally, millions are affected, with rising substance use trends placing increasing strain on communities and institutions. In South Africa, the crisis is particularly urgent, impacting families, schools, and young people at alarming rates.

ICCE 2026 creates a space to:

• Connect fragmented efforts across sectors
• Elevate community-led solutions and lived experiences
• Co-design sustainable, ethical, and evidence-informed responses
• Build long-term partnerships beyond the conference
• This is not just a conference—it is a platform for collective action and systemic change