TORONTO — Canada, Ukraine and Norway have opened a major international conference in Toronto focused on efforts to bring Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war home.

The Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians and Prisoners of War is being held in Toronto on September 28 and 29, bringing together foreign ministers, senior government representatives and international organizations.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is co-hosting the meeting, which aims to strengthen international coordination on tracing individuals, sharing information and creating pathways for their return.

According to Global Affairs Canada, Ukrainian authorities have recorded 20,651 cases involving possible unlawful deportation or forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, with 2,573 children reported returned to Ukraine. Canada also says 9,529 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians had been returned from Russian captivity as of August 2026.

The conference will also address humanitarian access, family contact, rehabilitation and reintegration for people who return.

The Toronto gathering follows Canada's continued diplomatic involvement in international efforts concerning Ukraine and comes as Ottawa works with European and other international partners on humanitarian and security issues.

The two-day Toronto conference puts the return of civilians, children and prisoners of war at the centre of Canada's latest international diplomatic agenda.