ICC Belfast to Host Harm Reduction International 2027

Belfast has secured the Harm Reduction International Conference 2027, one of the world's leading gatherings focused on public health, drug policy and evidence-based harm reduction. Taking place over four days, the event is expected to generate thousands of hotel bed nights while bringing international attention to Belfast's growing role as a centre for public health innovation, research and progressive policy dialogue.

Delivered in partnership with Harm Reduction International and Extern, the conference will convene academics, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, charities and advocates from around the world to examine approaches aimed at reducing the health, social and legal harms associated with drug use and drug policy.

The win further strengthens Belfast's reputation as a destination capable of attracting globally significant conferences that deliver both economic returns and meaningful societal outcomes. Previous editions of the conference have been held in Melbourne (2023) and Bogotá (2025).

While the event is expected to deliver substantial benefits for the local visitor economy, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers and local businesses, its organisers also point to a broader legacy. The conference arrives at a time when Northern Ireland is increasing its focus on substance use, mental health and public health policy, with recent developments including €7 million in cross-border research funding, the launch of the Northern Ireland Executive's Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan 2024–2028, and local efforts to establish overdose prevention facilities.

A key local partner is Extern, one of Ireland's leading organisations working in harm reduction, homelessness and addiction support. As part of preparations for the conference, Extern has already provided specialist harm reduction training to front-of-house teams at ICC Belfast, drawing on more than two decades of frontline experience.

Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall said: “Securing Harm Reduction International 2027 is a hugely significant win for Belfast and Northern Ireland."

The conference will bring substantial economic benefits to the city through international visitor spend and hotel occupancy, while also showcasing Belfast as a progressive, globally connected destination for world-class conferences and events.
 

L-R: Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Maddie O’Hare, Director, Harm Reduction International, Lucy O’Hare, Director, Harm Reduction International and Iain Cameron, Project Manager, Extern.

“Beyond the economic impact, this event presents an important opportunity to create meaningful social legacy through international collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and public health innovation. We are proud to welcome delegates from across the world to Belfast next year.”

Lucy O’Hare, Director, Harm Reduction International Conference said: “We are delighted to bring the Harm Reduction International Conference to Belfast in 2027."

The conference will create opportunities for collaboration between international experts and local organisations, while also delivering meaningful economic impact through international tourism and visitor spend across the city.

Iain Cameron, Project Manager, Extern added: “Extern is proud to support the delivery of this important conference in Belfast - a city where we have worked alongside people and communities since the 1970s, often in the most challenging circumstances. Our harm reduction approach is shaped by a changing frontline reality: the significant impact of drug use and the complex challenges people face, including homelessness, trauma, mental health, and deep-rooted inequality."

“For Extern, harm reduction means meeting people where they are, treating them with dignity, and walking alongside them without judgment."

"As part of the team helping to make this conference a reality, Extern sees it as a timely opportunity to learn from international innovation and evidence, and to draw on successful interventions from across the world to make a difference here in Northern Ireland.

It will deepen understanding, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to long-term positive outcomes for some of the most vulnerable in Belfast and the wider community.”

The conference is supported through the Belfast and Northern Ireland Conference Subvention Scheme, funded by Belfast City Council and Tourism NI and administered by Visit Belfast.
 

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