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20 May 2026
Chefs Guild of Maldives sends 12-chef delegation to WorldChefs Congress
A 12-member delegation from the Maldives participated in the WorldChefs Congress 2026, held from 16 to 19 May in Newport, Wales, as the Chefs Guild of Maldives continued its efforts to strengthen international exposure and professional development opportunities for local culinary professionals.
The WorldChefs Congress is regarded as the world’s largest international gathering of professional chefs, bringing together culinary leaders, educators and industry professionals from across the globe. The biennial event serves as a platform for chefs to exchange knowledge, explore industry trends and strengthen global professional networks.
This year’s congress featured keynote sessions led by Michelin-starred chefs, alongside practical workshops, collaborative learning sessions and discussions focused on sustainability, food security and evolving culinary trends shaping the international hospitality industry.
For Maldivian chefs, participation in the congress provided exposure to emerging techniques, international best practices and conversations influencing the future of professional kitchens worldwide. The congress also created networking opportunities with chefs, suppliers, educators and hospitality professionals from multiple markets.
Held alongside the congress, the Global Chefs Challenge Finals brought together finalists from regional semi-finals conducted in 2025. The competition featured four categories and showcased some of the world’s leading culinary talent.
The Chefs Guild of Maldives said participation in international platforms such as the WorldChefs Congress forms part of its broader efforts to support professional growth, culinary excellence and international collaboration within the Maldivian culinary sector.
The organisation also aims to introduce more global industry practices into the Maldives’ gastronomy scene through continued engagement with international culinary forums and competitions.
The WorldChefs Congress was last held in Singapore in 2024, where the Chefs Guild of Maldives participated with a 30-member delegation.
Looking ahead, the next edition of the WorldChefs Congress & Expo will take place in Paris in 2028, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WorldChefs), which was founded in Paris in 1928.
The Chefs Guild of Maldives said it hopes to expand participation opportunities for Maldivian young chefs at the 2028 congress, recognising the role younger culinary professionals play in shaping the future of the industry.
By increasing access to international competitions, networking platforms and educational experiences, the guild aims to continue supporting and inspiring the next generation of chefs in the Maldives.
