Bridging Knowledge and Action to Deliver the SDGs

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) invites expressions of interest to join the Editorial Board for the forthcoming peer-reviewed edited volume based on the Third UNITAR International Research Conference (3UIRC). This publication will be submitted for inclusion in the UN-iLibrary and will feature high-quality, original, research-based contributions aligned with UNITAR’s commitment to knowledge-based capacity development and multilateral cooperation. 

The deadline to submit expressions of interest for the Editorial Board is 12 September 2025.

Selected authors will be invited to submit full papers, which will undergo a double-blind peer review process, in accordance with international academic publishing standards and the editorial guidelines for formal UN publication. Each manuscript will be evaluated anonymously by at least two independent reviewers to ensure scholarly rigour, thematic coherence, and alignment with UNITAR’s mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

While the volume is intended for submission to the UN-iLibrary, final publication remains subject to editorial timelines, resource availability, and the publishing priorities of the United Nations. As such, inclusion in the UN-iLibrary cannot be guaranteed and lies beyond UNITAR’s direct control. 


Indicative Timeline 

  • Abstract Submission Deadline: 12 September 2025

  • Abstract Decision Notification: 10 October 2025 

  • Author Registration Deadline: 20 October 2025 

  • Full Paper Submission Deadline: 30 January 2026 


Role of the Editorial Board 
Editorial Board Members will: 

  • Review and select abstracts and draft manuscripts for peer review 

  • Participate in the double-blind peer review process 

  • Ensure consistency, thematic coherence, and scholarly rigor 

  • Advise on inclusion, diversity, and research ethics 

  • Contribute to shaping the editorial vision and structure of the volume 


Expertise Sought 
We welcome expressions of interest from experts in the following thematic areas: 

  • Education and learning for sustainable development (SDG 4) 

  • Climate change, adaptation, and resilience (SDG 13) 

  • Peacebuilding, governance, and institutional development (SDG 16) 

  • Global partnerships, capacity development, and South-South cooperation (SDG 17) 

  • Humanitarian response, anticipatory action, and disaster risk reduction 

  • Youth empowerment, student leadership, and civic participation 


Eligibility Criteria 
We invite expressions of interest from academics, researchers, and practitioners with: 

  • Demonstrated expertise in fields relevant to the 3UIRC themes (e.g., sustainable development, governance, peace and security, digital learning, climate action, etc.) 

  • Previous experience with academic publishing, peer review, or editorial processes 

  • Familiarity with the UN system or multilateral policy frameworks (preferred but not required) 

  • Commitment to impartiality, confidentiality, and diversity in scholarship 


We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented regions, women, early-career researchers, and experts from the Global South.

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Editorial Oversight 
The editorial process for this preliminary phase is led by:
· Editor-in-Chief: Dr Jon-Hans Coetzer (Jon-Hans.COETZER [at] unitar.org (Jon-Hans[dot]COETZER[at]unitar[dot]org)) 

And supported by: 
· Editorial Coordinator: Alexandra Severino (Alexandra.SEVERINO [at] unitar.org (Alexandra[dot]SEVERINO[at]unitar[dot]org))
· Creative Editor and Outreach Support Focal: Ana Moreira (Ana.MOREIRA [at] unitar.org (Ana[dot]MOREIRA[at]unitar[dot]org))

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).