GAPC 2026 to be held in Rio de Janeiro
Keep the dates:
The Global Alcohol Policy Alliance (GAPA) is pleased to inform that the 8th Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC 2026) will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 8-10 April 2026, co-hosted with ACT Brazil and Vital Strategies. More co-hosts will to join.
GAPC is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners. Building on the increasing interest for and recent alcohol policy developments in the country and the Latin American region, Brazil is the perfect host for GAPC 2025.
The conference in Brazil will have the theme: Public Health and the commercial determinants of alcohol harm: responses by governments and civil Society. It maintains the tradition of focusing on governments efforts in alcohol policy development – advocacy for such policies, overcoming vested interests and the need for international collaboration to reduce the harm caused by alcohol.
Sally Casswell, Chair of GAPA says: “We are very enthusiastic about co-hosting the GAPC 2026 together with ACT Brazil and Vital Strategies, and with involvement from the NGO community in Brazil. The need for evidence-based alcohol policies has never been more pronounced in the region and globally – including in low- and middle-income countries. The conference is an opportunity to engage in fruitful discussions and exchange of ideas in a unique atmosphere, free from the vested interests of the alcohol industry. This is an important part of GAPA’s portfolio of activities aimed to fulfil our mission: to promote evidence-based alcohol policy free from commercial interests.
The previous GAPCs were held in Cape Town, South Africa in 2023, Dublin, Ireland in 2020, Melbourne, Australia in 2017; Edinburgh, Scotland (2015); Seoul, South Korea (2013); Bangkok, Thailand (2012); and Syracuse, USA (2000). Civil society organisations, academic institutions, funding agencies and others free from any ties to the alcohol industry are invited to contact the organisers to explore co-sponsorship opportunities for the conference. These entities may also organise their own side events – closed meetings or open to conference participants, on the day prior to the GAPC 2026.
Please keep the dates and look out for the call for abstracts and registration.