Building on the momentum of the 2nd UNITAR International Research Conference (2UIRC), the 3rd UNITAR International Research Conference (3UIRC) invites global scholars, practitioners, policymakers, students, and community leaders to engage in critical dialogue and collaborative action on 3 to 4 December 2025 at the UN House, Brussels.  

This year’s edition focuses on transformative, interdisciplinary approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on: 

• SDG 4 – Quality Education 

• SDG 13 – Climate Action 

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals 

The 3UIRC will serve as a platform for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and bridging the gap between knowledge production and real-world action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. 

• In-person Registration Deadline: 3 October 2025. 

• In-Person Fee: 360 USD - Payment Deadline: 10 October 2025. 

• Online Registration Deadline: 17 October 2025. 

• Online Fee: 300 USD - Payment Deadline: 24 October 2025. 

By 12 September 2025, you can: 

• Submit your Abstract 

• Express your Interest to become our Partner 

• Express your Interest to be a member of our Editorial Board 

• If you wish to join us in person, please register here: https://event.unitar.org/full-catalog/person-3rd-unitar-international-research-conference-bridging-knowledge-and-action 

• If you wish to join us online, please register here: https://event.unitar.org/full-catalog/online-3rd-unitar-international-research-conference-bridging-knowledge-and-action 
  

Abstracts 

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 12 September 2025.

  Submit your Abstract here. 

We invite submissions that contribute to advancing the SDGs through research, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange. Submissions are welcome from academics, practitioners, and students in the following formats: 

• Academic / Practitioner / Applied Research Papers 

• Poster Presentations 

• Workshops or Interactive Sessions 

• Panel Discussions / Roundtables 

All submissions should demonstrate a strong foundation in one or more of the following areas: 

• Original research and data-driven analysis 

• Development or application of conceptual or theoretical frameworks 

• Policy analysis or evaluations of development programmes 

• Comparative or cross-regional studies 

• Forward-looking insights grounded in lessons learned or emerging trends 

We welcome interdisciplinary perspectives and encourage submissions that bridge knowledge and practice to deliver real-world impact on the SDGs. 

Please carefully read the instructions and guidelines provided in the abstract submission form before completing your submission. This includes format requirements, evaluation criteria, timelines and other important information. 

Guidelines for Submission 

1. Submission Method: 

• Abstracts must be submitted online via the official webform only. 

• Email submissions will not be accepted. 

2. Submission Deadline: 

• Abstracts must be received by the specified deadline: 12 September 2025. 

• Late submissions will not be considered. 

3. Limitations 

• You may submit up to three abstracts, regardless of whether you are the presenting author. 

• You may serve as the presenting author on up to three abstracts. 

• The presenting author must ensure that all co-authors are informed about and agree to the content of the abstract before submission. 

• Abstracts previously submitted to another congress but not presented may be submitted to the 3UIRC. 

• Novel data requirement:  

• All submitted abstracts must include new data. 

• Abstracts stating “data will be discussed in the presentation” will not be accepted. 

• Abstracts must be submitted in English. 

4. Guidelines for Submission 

Before submitting (https://event.unitar.org/form/3uirc-abstracts-submission), please prepare the following information: 

• Presenting Author Details: 

  • Full name. 

  • Email address. 

  • Professional Role. 

  • Phone Number. 

  • Country of Residence. 

  • Profile Photo (Colour, High Resolution). 

  • Short Bio (75-100 words). 

  • Affiliation Details 

    • Institution / University 

    • City / State (if applicable) 

    • Country 

• Abstract Submission: 

  • Title: 

    • Must be written in UPPER CASE.  

    • Limited to 30 words.  

    • Symbols should be submitted as words 

  • Author(s) 

  • Keywords 

  • Abstract: 

    • Limited to 350 words. 

    • Must include the following sections:  

      • Background and aims 

      • Methods and approach 

      • Results and discussion 

      • Conclusions 

• Graphics and Images: A maximum of three images can be included per abstract. 

• AI Usage Disclosure (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copilot, DALL·E, etc.) 

• Submission Process: 

  • Click the ‘Submit’ button at the end of the submission process to finalise your abstract. 

  • You may log in later to make changes to your abstract until the submission deadline. 

  • After the deadline, changes will no longer be possible. 

Please ensure all guidelines are followed for a successful submission. For any questions, contact elearning.ptp@unitar.org 

Partnerships 

• Partners Expression of Interest Deadline: 12 September 2025. 

  Click here to discover how you can become our Partner. 

UNITAR invites institutions and organizations to join us as partners for the 3rd UNITAR International Research Conference (3UIRC). 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. 

• Editorial Board Expression of Interest Deadline: 12 September 2025.

  Express your Interest in joining our Editorial Board here. 

UNITAR invites expressions of interest to join the Editorial Board for the peer-reviewed volume linked to the Third UNITAR International Research Conference (3UIRC). Members will support abstract selection, peer review, and overall editorial development. 

Please read all instructions carefully in this form: https://event.unitar.org/form/3uirc-editorial-board-eoi, before submitting your expression of interest. The form includes important information about UN publication standards and other mandatory requirements. 

To apply, kindly complete and submit your expression of interest using the same form mentioned above. 

 
The editorial process for this preliminary phase is led by: 

• Editor-in-Chief: Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer (Jon-Hans.COETZER@unitar.org)  

And supported by:  

• Editorial Coordinator: Alexandra Severino (Alexandra.SEVERINO@unitar.org) 

• Creative Editor and Outreach Support Focal: Ana Moreira (Ana.MOREIRA@unitar.org) 

1. Delivering SDG 4: Transforming Education for Resilience and Equity 

• Innovative models that ensure inclusive, adaptable, and equitable education 

• Tackling barriers to education in marginalized communities 

• Leveraging digital tools and AI for impactful learning 

2. Rethinking Security and Governance: A Human-Centric and Natural Resource Perspective (SDG 16) 

• Human security and ecological well-being 

• Inclusive peacebuilding and locally led solutions 

• Strengthening the role of education in governance and justice 

3. Humanitarian Action and Climate Resilience: Partnerships for a Sustainable Future (SDGs 13, 16, 17) 

• Climate-resilient humanitarian strategies 

• Multi-sector partnerships to address shared challenges 

• Community-led adaptation and innovation 

4. Advancing SDG 17: Building Effective and Inclusive Partnerships 

• Inclusive partnership models with a focus on Global South leadership 

• Expanding access through co-creation, fee waivers, and funding 

• Cross-sector collaboration for greater collective impact 

5. Students as Catalysts of Change: The Future of Leadership in Education and Beyond 

• Empowering student leadership and action 

• Reimagining institutional roles for youth engagement 

• Building future-ready education and governance systems 

• Dedicated sessions for student leadership and youth-led innovation. 

• Chance to be featured in the UNITAR International Research Conference Special Edition. 

• Networking spaces to build lasting cross-sector partnerships. 

By contributing to 3UIRC, you will: 

• Share your work with a global, interdisciplinary audience. 

• Influence SDG implementation through actionable insights. 

• Expand your professional network. 

• Help shape the future of higher education and global development. 

• Engage in diverse, student-inclusive conversations on real-world change. 

In support of the Leave No One Behind principle of the 2030 Agenda, UNITAR is offering four free online participation spots for individuals who face financial or systemic barriers to participation.  

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 

Application Deadline: 15 August 2025. All application requirements and instructions are outlined in the form. Kindly read the form carefully before submitting your application.  

Submit Your Application: https://event.unitar.org/form/3uirc-free-online-participation 

• If you meet the inclusion criteria: 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: 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. 

  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. 

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

We are proud to announce Çağ University (Türkiye) as the first confirmed partner of the 3rd UNITAR International Research Conference (3UIRC). 

Partnership Opportunities Still Open 

UNITAR continues to welcome expressions of interest from universities, foundations, research centres, and civil society organizations to join us as partners in this global dialogue. Explore partnership opportunities: Partnership Expression of Interest Form. 

Online Learning and Education (preferred contact) 
E-mail: elearning.ptp@unitar.org 

Conference Organizing Team 

Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer 
Senior Programme Specialist, Online Learning and Education 

E-mail: jon-hans.coetzer@unitar.com 

 
Alexandra Severino 
Programme Coordinator, Online Learning and Education 
E-mail: alexandra.severino@unitar.org 

Ana Moreira 
Graphic Designer, Online Learning and Education 
E-mail: ana.moreira@unitar.org