VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — More than 5,300 foreign delegates from 80 countries are in Metro Manila to take part in the 2026 International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses until November 1.
The three-day convention with theme “Eternal Happiness” is expected to gather more than 30,000 people at the Mall of Asia Arena and SMX Convention in Pasay City.
Delegates are from Australia, Burundi, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Madagascar, Malaysia, Micronesia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Scandinavia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, and the United States among other countries.
Kenneth Cook, member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, delivered Bible talks that draw from Jesus’ illustrations. The convention also featured Bible-based talks, symposiums, interviews, and videos exploring how Bible teachings can help people find happiness and purpose.
“International conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are large spiritual gatherings that bring together delegates from many countries, providing opportunities for mutual encouragement and association. Such conventions have been an important part of the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses for many years,” said James Morales, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Philippines.
Amidst news of wars globally, Morales said that international conventions help strengthen appreciation for the global brotherhood that unites Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
The convention is expected to generate approximately $1.5 billion in economic impact for the local economy. This economic activity is expected to benefit a wide range of businesses, particularly in the hospitality, food service, transportation, retail, and entertainment sectors. Moreover, many international delegates are anticipated to visit destinations outside Metro Manila, allowing other regions of the Philippines to share in the economic benefits.
The Witnesses are one of the largest non-profit convention organizers in the world. This year, they are hosting 19 International Conventions in various locations around the world. The final two International Conventions of the year will be held in San Diego, California, USA, in November and Bangkok, Thailand, in December.
Metro Manila was chosen as a host city because of the strong support of thousands of local volunteers from throughout the country, the availability of world-class convention facilities, and the extensive hotel accommodations needed to welcome thousands of international delegates.
“It’s my dream to attend an International Convention in the Philippines and to see the culture in person,” said Taichiro Aoba from Japan.
The convention has trained thousands of volunteers to ensure the safety and well-being of all delegates and attendees. Organizes also coordinated with the Pasay City local government, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to support the safety, security, and smooth flow of activities throughout the convention.
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