Welcome at the 18th World Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation website

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is my distinct honor to invite you to the 18th World Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation, which will be held in Prague, 2026, Czech Republic.

The Prague Cleft Center is proud of its longstanding scientific tradition, deeply rooted in the pioneering work of Prof. František Burian, the founder of the first plastic surgery department in the world in 1939, and his successor, Prof. Miroslav Fára. Their legacy continues to inspire our commitment to excellence in cleft care, and it is with this spirit that we welcome you to an event designed to support international collaboration, scientific advancement, and the open exchange of ideas.

The motto of the congress, „Bridging Specialities, Transforming Lives“ emphasizes cooperation between medical fields, each of which, like a pebble in a mosaic, contributes to the best possible result. The team care, not only among specialities, but also sharing the experience with patients and families, gives us the chance to shape a smile on the children´s faces.

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. It is a city with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the residence of several Holy Roman Emperors, most notably Charles IV and Rudolf II. Prague is also called the "City of a Hundred Spires," or the „Heart of Europe“. Charles University, founded 1348, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and ranks among the world’s most renowned research-focused universities.

We organize the Pre-congress Cadaver Course, hosted by the Cleft Center in Brno, which will precede the congress on September 29–30, 2026.

We aim to create a platform that strengthens our collective knowledge, supports interdisciplinary dialogue, and builds lasting professional connections.

We invite you to come to meet friends, find new colleagues, share ideas, and simply enjoy time in the beautiful city of Prague!