The International Ornithologists’ Union (IOU) supports, promotes, and advances ornithology as a global discipline addressing all levels of avian biology, from ecosystems to molecules, linking basic and applied research, and nurturing education and outreach. Since 1884, the IOU has organised the International Ornithological Congress® (IOCongress®) every four years, except during the World Wars, as the oldest and largest international convening of ornithologists and others who support and advance research and scholarship in avian biology.
http://www.internationalornithology.org/
Past International Ornithological Congresses
Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Union, and its parent organization, the International Ornithological Committee, has held 26 International Ornithological Congresses in 19 countries on all livable continents, from the very first congress which was held in Vienna Austria in 1884 to the 27th Congrees which took place in Vancouver Canada in 2018.
The Congress was last held in South Africa was in 1998 in Durban, which was the 22nd IOCongress. With Prof. Dr. Peter Berthold as Presidents and Dr. Aldo Berruti as Secretaries-General/Congress Conveners.