“Ubuntu united for a safer future”  

The conference explores the Structural, Social and Commercial drivers of injury risk through and potential solutions through an African lens that is universally applicable. “Ubuntu,” embodying the African philosophy of interconnectedness and mutual support, is central to our conference theme, “Ubuntu: United for a Safer Future.” This principle underscores the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in injury and violence prevention.  

By fostering collaboration across diverse sectors and communities, we can create a holistic and inclusive approach to safety, benefiting not only Africa but the global community. We will explore not only the state-of-the-art evidence for injury risks and prevention interventions, but also the often intractable social, economic, and political drivers that impede the uptake of effective strategies. The conference will signal a call to action to put safety and public health at the forefront of policy considerations. 

The 2026 World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of a historic turning point in South Africa’s—and potentially the world’s—public health journey. The world today is increasingly unsafe, with rising levels of violence, conflict, and mental-health crises exacerbated by inequality, climate shocks, and social fragmentation. The stakes could not be higher.