Welcome to UNITAR’s Division for Peace repository of research and publications in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and innovative education. Below, you will find a curated list of our key research publications, and collaborative initiatives. 

• Date: June 6-7 and June 13-15, 2024.
• Summary: An executive education programme fostering transformative pedagogy for sustainable development through immersive learning experiences.
• Keywords: Executive Education, Sustainability, Immersive Learning, UN 2030 Agenda, Virtual Reality, Transformative Pedagogy.
• Read more: Programme Details 

The Sustainability Programme for Global Changemakers: Navigating the UN 2030 Agenda marks an exciting milestone in international collaboration between Technological University Dublin, Çağ Üniversitesi and United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This inaugural executive course is an innovative initiative designed to advance transformative education in support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of the European University of Technology ELaRA-TESST team, and through the Technological University Dublin Community of Practice, this programme highlights the power of proactive learning, immersive pedagogy, and community-driven action in shaping a sustainable future. 

Led by a distinguished team of global experts, the programme integrates cutting-edge approaches to education and sustainability. John O'Connor, a trailblazer in immersive teaching and learning methods, joins Murat Gulmez, whose expertise lies in leveraging advanced technologies for education. Valerie Hill, expertise on emerging technology trends in education and librarianship, James G Neville (Sitearm) deep expertise building cohesive teams, and leveraging virtual reality techologies. 

The team also integrates expertise on Executive Education and the United Nations 2030 Sustainability Agenda and the UN 2.0 | United Nations by the hand of Jon-Hans Coetzer that brings his expertise and leadership in executive education, Juan Piacquadio, MBA, MSIT Piacquadio, one of the world top leaders in digital transformation and business growth within the technology space, Dr. Duygu Demircan Gür our marketing and sustainability expert and Sevgi Balkan Sahin bringing expertise in Global Security and Development Challenges. 

• Date: June 1, 2024.
• Summary: UNITAR curates this special issue on reimagining pedagogical approaches for sustainable education. This issue explores strategies to address global challenges through interdisciplinary education, aligning innovation with sustainability objectives. It highlights UNITAR’s role in fostering actionable research, bridging academic insights with transformative educational practices.
• Keywords: Climate Change, Energy Sustainability, Migration, Quality Education, Pedagogical Innovation.
• Read more:
  • Special Issue Call
  • Style Guide for Papers 

The Higher Education Compass – Special Issue on Innovative Education Strategies focuses on reimagining pedagogical approaches to address the challenges of an interconnected and rapidly evolving world. UNITAR, through its Online Learning and Education Unit (OLEU), has taken a central role in this initiative. The special issue serves as a platform for showcasing educational innovations that align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Sustainable Development). By drawing insights from diverse contributors, including researchers, practitioners, and educators, the issue aims to explore how education can drive sustainable solutions to global issues such as climate change, migration, and energy sustainability. 

This collaboration highlights UNITAR’s dedication to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and actionable insights in education. In an era marked by the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, the issue invites thought leaders to offer reflections on innovative strategies that prepare learners for a knowledge-based economy and equip them to navigate the pressing demands of the sustainability agenda. Through this initiative, UNITAR reinforces its commitment to bridging academic research with practical applications, empowering communities to achieve transformative change. 

• Dates: December 14-15, 2023.
• Summary: UNITAR and its partners invite contributions to support the integration of sustainable educational practices with technology. A conference for exploring how technology transforms education and supports sustainable development goals.
• Keywords: Sustainable Education, Technology, UN 2030 Agenda, Pedagogy, Metaverse, Education, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Innovation.
• Read More: Call for Invitations 

The 2nd EL@RA Conference, hosted by the Technical University of Sofia in collaboration with UNITAR and European universities, focused on the role of technology in supporting sustainable education. The event brought together thought leaders to discuss how technological innovations are reshaping education and societal structures. Key topics included the socio-economic impacts of technological advancements and their alignment with the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly in fostering sustainable development in academic environments. 

• Talks:
  • (Recording) The Transformative Impact of Technology on Society - Keynote Speakers & Panel Discussion
    • Summary: Explored pedagogical innovations supporting sustainable development, with a focus on technology's role in education transformation.
    • Moderator: Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer, Senior Programme Specialist, Online Learning and Education Unit, Division for Peace, UNITAR.
    • Speakers: Mr John O’Connor (Technological University Dublin); Dr Murat Gülmez (Çağ Üniversitesi); Dr Lucía Morales (Technological University Dublin).
  • (Recording) Entrepreneurship and Marketing Education in the Metaverse - Research Presentation
    • Summary: Research presentation focused on the potential of the metaverse to transform business education by offering immersive learning environments that bridge academic knowledge with practical business skills, encouraging innovative approaches in marketing and entrepreneurship.
    • Speakers: Dr Murat Gülmez (Çağ Üniversitesi). 

• Date: 2023.
• Summary: This special issue supports the Human Security for All (HS4A) campaign by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security, exploring human security across global and local dimensions.
• Keywords: Human Security, HS4A Campaign, United Nations, Global Security, Local Perspectives, Trust Fund for Human Security.
• Read More: Special Issue on Human Security – Cadmus Journal 
  

The 2023 Cadmus Journal Special Issue on Human Security is dedicated to the Human Security for All (HS4A) campaign launched by the UN Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art and Science. This edition delves into diverse perspectives on human security, ranging from local communities to global frameworks. It aims to foster awareness and understanding of human security challenges, emphasizing the multidimensional threats to peace and security in today’s interconnected world. By integrating research, policy, and practice, it provides actionable insights to drive solutions at all levels. 

• Call for Papers: 2022.
  • Publishing Date: 2023.
  • Summary: This special issue delves into the intricate relationships between geopolitical strategies and economic factors in the context of peacebuilding and conflict transformation. It offers actionable insights that challenge traditional paradigms in global studies, providing fresh perspectives on how geo-economics and geopolitics influence peace and conflict dynamics worldwide.
• Keywords: Geopolitics, Geo-economics, Conflict Transformation, Peace Processes, Globalization, Political Stability.
• Read More: Peace Review: Volume 35, Issue 4 

In 2022, Peace Review: A Journal of Social Justice issued a call for papers for a special issue focusing on the intersections of geo-economics and geopolitics in peace and conflict scenarios. The call invited scholars and practitioners to explore the evolving dynamics between business activities, international cooperation, and political power in shaping peace and conflict. The resulting symposium, published in 2023 under the guest editorship of Dr Daniel Rajmil (UOC University), Dr Lucía Morales (Technological University Dublin), and Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer (UNITAR Division for Peace), presents a collection of essays that analyse the increasing influence of economic interests in geopolitical conflicts and peace processes. It highlights how globalization, economic inequality, and political strategies contribute to instability, with far-reaching consequences for international relations. The goal is to uncover new approaches to peacebuilding that transcend traditional diplomatic and political frameworks by integrating economic perspectives. This special issue provides critical insights into the intersection of economics and politics in conflict resolution, encouraging innovative contributions from researchers and practitioners in the field. 
 

• Call for Papers: 2022.
• Publishing Date: 2023.
• Summary: This special issue explores innovative pedagogical approaches to sustainability in higher education, aligning with SDG 4.7. It examines the integration of circular education principles, equity and inclusion, and student engagement in sustainability. The issue presents research on transforming educational frameworks to support a resilient and regenerative future.
• Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Pedagogical Innovation, Circular Education, Higher Education, Youth Engagement, Equity and Inclusion.
• Read More: Education for Sustainable Development: Pedagogical Innovations Empowering Transformation towards a Resilient and Regenerative Future Special Issue Editorial 

This special issue of the International Journal for Academic Practice (IJAP) highlights cutting-edge educational methodologies designed to advance sustainability in higher education. Through interdisciplinary contributions, it examines strategies for embedding sustainability across curricula, fostering equality and diversity in learning environments, and integrating circular pedagogical principles. The publication builds on a 2022 call for papers, which invited researchers and practitioners to contribute insights into mobilizing education as a tool for transformative sustainability. The final issue, published in 2023, presents a collection of research-backed approaches to empower educators and students to drive sustainable change in their institutions and communities. 

This special issue emphasizes how pedagogical innovation can support sustainable development, focusing on key themes such as: 

• Pedagogical innovations for SDG 4.7: The role of education in fostering sustainability awareness and global citizenship. 

• Equality, diversity, and inclusion in education: Ensuring access and representation in sustainability-driven learning. 

• Integrating circular principles in education: Redesigning curricula to incorporate regenerative and circular economy principles. 

• Mobilising youth for sustainability: Engaging students as active contributors to sustainable solutions and policymaking.