Empowering Individuals and Institutions for Innovation in the Domain of Human Security, Peace, and Sustainable Development

The UNITAR International Research Conference (UIRC) is an annual flagship initiative of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), convened in collaboration with international partners. Since its launch in 2023, the UIRC series has provided a global platform for interdisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of education, peace, security, and sustainable development. 
 
Following the inaugural focus on Climate Security (2023), the second edition’s emphasis on higher education and peacebuilding (2024), and the third edition’s commitment to bridging knowledge and action to deliver the SDGs (2025), the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC), taking place from 18 to 19 November 2026 in UN House Brussels, Belgium, will advance the discussion toward future oriented capacity development for the creation of a Peace Learning Innovation Lab.  
 
The 2026 edition takes place at a particularly significant moment for the United Nations and the global sustainable development agenda. It aligns with the midpoint review period of the 2030 Agenda, as Member States assess progress and intensify efforts to accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also coincides with the first full year of implementation of the United Nations Pact for the Future, marking a shift from global commitments to operational priorities across the UN system. At the same time, the approach to 2030 represents a critical phase for climate action, resilience, and sustainable development, as the international community confronts increasingly narrow timelines for achieving agreed targets. 
 
In an era characterized by accelerating global transitions, including the intensification of climate-related disasters and displacement, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and digital platforms across economies and governance systems, the reconfiguration of global supply chains, and the increasing strain on multilateral cooperation frameworks, there is a growing need to strengthen the capacities of individuals and institutions to anticipate, prevent, and respond to complex and interconnected challenges. Higher education and lifelong learning play a critical role in this context, serving as catalysts for human security, institutional resilience, and transformative governance.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 August 2026.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) invites the submission of abstracts for presentation at the conference and possibly inclusion, as a full paper, in a special edited volume of selected papers developed in connection with the Fourth UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC).  

Abstracts should propose original, analytically rigorous contributions that examine how education, training, and applied research can empower individuals and institutions to address current and future challenges in the domains of human security, peace, and sustainable development. 

Proposed contributions should demonstrate clear relevance to: 

• The Sustainable Development Goals and United Nations mandates;
• The UN Pact for the Future and the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace;
• The thematic priorities of the 4UIRC. 

Submissions that function primarily as conference documentation (e.g. session summaries, speeches, or narrative reports of events) are not eligible for inclusion in the special volume.

All abstracts must represent original work not currently under review elsewhere. 

The deadline to submit an abstract is 31 August 2026. If you wish to present your paper at the conference, please note that acceptance is also subject to review and approval by the 4UIRC Organising Committee. All selected presenters will be required to register and pay the conference fee for either the Online or In-person modalities, depending on their choice.

Please carefully read the instructions and guidelines provided before completing your submission. This includes format requirements, evaluation criteria, timelines and other important information. For any questions, contact elearning.ptp@unitar.org.

Editorial Board Expression of Interest Deadline: 31 August 2026.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified scholars and practitioners to serve on the Editorial Board of the special edited research volume developed in connection with the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC).

The Editorial Board is established to provide scholarly leadership, peer-review oversight, and thematic guidance throughout the development of the special volume. The Board supports the 4UIRC Editorial Coordination Team in ensuring academic integrity, analytical coherence, policy relevance, and alignment with internationally recognised publishing standards and United Nations publications requirements. Editorial Board members serve in an independent scholarly capacity.

How to Apply 
Interested candidates are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by completing the application form and providing all requested information, including:

• Personal and professional details;
• A brief statement of motivation and relevant expertise;
• A short bio, highlighting research, publication, and editorial or peer-review experience;
• An indication of thematic areas of interest aligned with the 4UIRC.

Only complete applications submitted through the designated form will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Leave No One Behind (online fee waiver) application deadline: 5 June 2026. 

This opportunity is only open to:  

• Women and youth, especially early-career researchers and students  

• Participants from the Global South (including LDCs and SIDS)  

• Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and displaced individuals  

• Grassroots practitioners and community leaders without institutional support

All application requirements and instructions are outlined in the form. Kindly read them carefully before submitting. Please note that the selection process for the four limited free online participation spots will be rigorous, based on alignment with the specified UN inclusion criteria. This ensures the opportunity is reserved for individuals who genuinely face systemic barriers to participation, as outlined above.  

• If you meet the inclusion criteria above, and applied, please do not register for the conference until you are informed of the selection outcome.  
  

• If you do not meet the inclusion criteria outlined above, we kindly ask that you proceed with standard registration for either the online attendance or in-person attendance modalities of the Conference.  

We appreciate your understanding and encourage early registration through the standard fee-paying channels secure your spot, as interest in past editions of the Conference has been high.

Partners Expression of Interest Deadline: 31 August 2026.

UNITAR invites institutions and organisations to join us as partners for the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC). We welcome collaboration from universities, research centres, civil society organizations, international institutions, foundations, government bodies, and the private sector. Together, we can amplify impact, bridge knowledge and action, and drive meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Opportunities to collaborate include: 

• Co-hosting sessions.
• Sponsoring participation.
• Joint promotion and research exchange.
• Student awards and engagement initiatives.
• Contributing to event funding to help offset logistical and operational costs. 

Delegation Participation and Fee Waivers 
Many partner institutions participate by supporting a delegation of participants to attend or contribute to the conference. As a gesture of appreciation, and within UNITAR’s limited operational budget, the following provisions may apply: 

• Delegations of 3–5 participants may receive one participation fee waiver. Partnering institutions often allocate this waiver to a Master’s or PhD student or an early-career researcher.

• For pre-existing collaborative partners, up to two participation fee waivers may be granted depending on the nature and scope of the collaborative partnership. 

Partner institutions benefit from visibility within the conference programme and communications, as well as opportunities to engage with an international network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.