40 Rue Washington, Brussels, 1050.
WHERE SCIENCE MEETS EXPERIENCE
CIICA, the CI International Community of Action, is now five years old, with 120 organisations and over 700 individuals in 76 countries. The shared goal of the network is to increase awareness of the impact of hearing loss and of CI, and the need for sustainable lifelong CI services, addressing the huge gap in provision.
CI Advocacy in Action 2026 brings together CI users, families, professionals, academics, industry, policy makers and funders from across the globe to share advocacy successes and challenges, create new initiatives and inspire each other to action. With increasing funding challenges globally, what is the best way to ensure that those who could benefit from CI gain access, and those who have CI have lifelong services? 
These and other issues will be addressed in this unique, inclusive conference:
What does effective advocacy look like to influence stakeholders?
How can service providers, industry, users and families work together to ensure the services are effective and efficient?
What about those in low- and middle-income countries?
How are services delivered to those who are older?
Some comments from the speakers:
"Without awareness, there is no information, no demand, no services."
Carolina Der, WHO
"Progress begins where scientific knowledge and lived experience work side by side"
Astrid Van Wieringen, president, International Society of Audiology
"The CIICA Conference will deliver valuable outcomes that strengthen our collaboration and shared advocacy. As Rob Beenders, Belgian Minister and CI user reminds us: Access to CI shouldn’t depend on your age or how well you navigate the system. Get CI advocacy on the agenda – politicians aren’t waiting for you".
Tobias Fischer, CI user and President EURO-CIU advocates for shared advocacy.
"We can only meet the need for increased access and sustainable services if we plan together… CIICA 2025 was a highlight of my year: see you in 2026!"
Prof Cathy Birman, Sydney.
For booking and more details, see:
https://ciicanet.org/events/ci-advocacy-in-action-2026-22-23-october-2026/
