Type
Conference
In-Person - 3rd UNITAR International Research Conference - Bridging Knowledge and Action to Deliver the SDGS
Location
Brussels, Belgium
Date
-
Duration
2 Days
Programme Area
Peacekeeping
Partnership
ÇAĞ University
Registration
Application-based event
Mode of Delivery
Blended
Language(s)
English
Pillar
Peace
Event Objectives
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. We welcome contributions in the form of:
- Academic / Practitioner / Applied Research Paper
- Poster Presentation
- Research Presentation
- Panel Discussion/Roundtable
Background
Building on the momentum of the 2nd United Nations Institute for Training and Research (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. Together, we aim to address the complex challenges of our time by advancing transformative, interdisciplinary approaches to achieving:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
The Conference venue is at the UN House, Boulevard du Régent 37-40, 1000 Brussels.
Content and Structure
Conference Themes
1. Delivering SDG 4: Transforming Education for Resilience and Equity
- Exploring innovative models of education that prioritise resilience, adaptability, and equity in the face of global crises.
- Addressing barriers to quality education, particularly in marginalised communities, through global partnerships and inclusive policies.
- Investigating the role of digital and artificial intelligence technologies in making education more accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
2. Rethinking Security and Governance: A Human-Centric and Natural Resource Perspective (SDG 16)
- Reimagining security and governance frameworks to prioritise human security, ecological well-being, and social justice.
- Showcasing collaborative approaches to peacebuilding that emphasise inclusion, dialogue, and locally led solutions.
- Exploring the relationship between education, justice, and strong institutions in fostering long-term peace and resilience.
3. Humanitarian Action and Climate Resilience: Partnerships for a Sustainable Future (SDGs 13, 16 & 17)
- Examining the intersection of humanitarian efforts and climate adaptation, including community-driven resilience strategies and resource-sharing mechanisms.
- Highlighting collaborations between governments, civil society, and the private sector to address climate-related challenges equitably.
4. Advancing SDG 17: Building Effective and Inclusive Partnerships
- Developing innovative partnership models that promote equity, inclusivity, and co-creation, particularly with leadership from the Global South.
- Exploring mechanisms such as fee waivers, co-funded institutional partnerships, and participatory decision-making to expand access and engagement.
- Strengthening cross-sector collaborations to leverage diverse expertise and resources for achieving the SDGs.
5. Students as Catalysts of Change: The Future of Leadership in Education and Beyond
- Amplifying student voices and perspectives to drive innovation, urgency, and relevance in addressing global challenges.
- Examining new ways to integrate student leadership into global partnerships and institutional reforms.
Methodology
The 3rd UNITAR International Research Conference adopts an interdisciplinary and participatory methodology, emphasizing the integration of academic research with real-world application. It encourages diverse formats of contribution, including oral presentations, practitioner papers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, to facilitate inclusive knowledge exchange. The conference prioritizes co-creation, collaborative problem-solving, and cross-sector dialogue, engaging scholars, students, policymakers, and community leaders. By centering lived experiences and local solutions, particularly from marginalized and Global South communities, the conference seeks to generate actionable insights that bridge the gap between research and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Targeted Audience
The UNITAR International Research Conference target audience includes academics, researchers, educators, practitioners, NGOs, students, business community members, and policymakers. The event aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and bridging the gap between knowledge production and real-world action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals.
Why Contribute?
The 3UIRC provides a unique opportunity to build a network with fellow practitioners, academics, alumni, and experts to:
- Share innovative research and practices with a global, interdisciplinary audience.
- Influence the implementation of SDGs 4, 16, and 17 through actionable insights and collaborative strategies.
- Build resilient partnerships across sectors, geographies, and disciplines.
- Engage with diverse perspectives, including the lived experiences of communities and students.
- Shape the future of higher education and global development by bridging knowledge and practice.
Additional Information
Abstracts
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
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.
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 12th September 2025
- In-person registration deadline: 3 October 2025
- In-person payment deadline: 10 October 2025
- Online registration deadline: 17 October 2025
- Online payment deadline: 24 October 2025
In-Person Attendance Disclaimer:
UNITAR does not provide sponsorship for accommodation or travel to the conference.
Visa Support and Attendance:
UNITAR cannot assist with visa applications for the 3rd UNITAR Research Conference. Attendees are responsible for securing their own visas to enter Brussels. We strongly recommend contacting the relevant consular authorities well in advance to avoid delays.
Please note:
- Conference fees are non-refundable, including cases where a visa is delayed or denied.
- Participants should arrange their own travel insurance.
UNITAR can provide a digital (PDF) letter of invitation to support your visa application upon request. This will only be issued after proof of payment is received. Please send your proof of payment to elearning.ptp [at] unitar.org (elearning[dot]ptp[at]unitar[dot]org).
Once payment is completed, a purchase order will be automatically generated by the system. This serves as the official invoice and can be downloaded for administrative use. Please note, no additional invoices will be issued.
If you require a digital letter of participation (PDF), kindly email your proof of payment to elearning.ptp [at] unitar.org (elearning[dot]ptp[at]unitar[dot]org). Thank you for your understanding.
Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.
There are no discounts or fee waivers: all participants must pay the full registration fee.
The applicant shall bear any costs, charges, or exchange rates imposed by the bank. UNITAR is not responsible for these or any other additional costs or delays.