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

Building on previous editions, 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC) will place greater emphasis on future-oriented education systems, anticipatory learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as on the co-creation of knowledge across regions and generations. The event will take place on 18-19 November 2026 at the UN House, Brussels (Bd du Régent 37/40, 1000).

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:  

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.

Guidelines for Abstracts Submission 

  1. Submission Method: 

  • Abstracts must be submitted online via this official web form only. 

  • Email submissions will not be accepted. 

  1. Submission Deadline: 

  • Abstracts must be received by the specified deadline of 31 August 2026.

  • Late submissions will not be considered. 

  1. 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 4UIRC. 

  • 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.

  1. Relevant Documentation:

Please fill in the form below for a chance to be considered for the 4UIRC!

1. Presenting Author Details
Título
Please respect the guidelines
Please provide a short, professional third-person biography in clear, accessible language. Your biography should briefly introduce who you are, your current role or activity, and the organisation, initiative, or community you are associated with, if applicable. You may include your main areas of experience or interest, your work, research, or practical involvement related to the topic, and any relevant projects, leadership roles, or professional experience you wish to highlight. Where helpful, you may also mention your geographic, community, or thematic focus
Affiliation
2. Abstract Submission
Relevant Theme(s)
Guidelines
Must include the following sections: 1. Background and aims, 2. Methods and approach, 3. Results and discussion, 4. Conclusions.
2.1 Graphics and Images
A maximum of three images can be included per abstract.
2.2 AI Usage Disclosure
(e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, Copilot, DALL·E, etc.)
Have you used any Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools during the preparation of this abstract or associated work?
3. Conference Contribution and Participation
Would you like to present the work submitted above at the conference?
Format of Contribution
Example
1.Title: Integrating Climate Education into Higher Learning Curricula: A Pathway to Achieving SDG 4 and SDG 13 Co-presenter(s): Dr. Jane Doe, University of Lisbon 2.Title: Strengthening Institutions Through Community-Led Governance: Lessons from Local Peacebuilding Initiatives Co-presenter(s): N/A
Did you register already?

“Yes, online/in-person”, please note that your registration will only be considered complete once payment has been made and proof of payment has been submitted according to the provided instructions. If you registered to attend in-person but have not yet paid, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Space is limited, and places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis for selected partners and presentations.

If you selected “No”, please note that presenting at the conference requires registration. We strongly encourage all presenters, especially those presenting in person, to register as soon as possible, as the conference has gained significant traction and in-person spaces are limited.

· If you wish to join us IN-PERSON, please register here.
· If you wish to join us ONLINE, please register here.

Please ensure all guidelines are followed for a successful submission. For any questions, contact elearning.ptp [at] unitar.org (elearning[dot]ptp[at]unitar[dot]org)