Language & Development Conferences have been held every two years, on average, since the early 1990s. The conference series provides an opportunity for policy-makers, researchers, development personnel, teachers and linguists to come together to share views and explore issues concerning language use in development contexts.

Each Conference takes place in a different developing country and is organised by a local committee, with support from the Language & Development Conference Trustees, and with sponsorship from a wide range of national and international organisations.

The Conferences are planned with regard to a set of Principles and it is intended that each Conference should lead to the publication of an edited volume of proceedings, as a permanent record of the event.