UNITAR Online Catalogue
In-Person - 4th UNITAR International Research Conference - Educating for Futures
Peace
Background
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).
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 (2026) 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.
Event Objectives
The overarching purpose of the 4UIRC is to examine how education, training, and applied research can empower individuals and institutions to advance peace, security, and sustainable development in line with UNITAR’s vision and mission.
The specific objectives of the conference are to:
- Strengthen the capacities of individuals, particularly students, early career researchers, and practitioners, to contribute to multilateral diplomacy, public sector performance, and the SDGs.
- Explore the role of higher education institutions in supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Pact for the Future.
- Promote robust and inclusive learning ecosystems that foster long-term impact and resilience.
- Enhance the quality and effectiveness of UN and partner capacity building efforts through shared learning, research, and evidence-based dialogue.
Content and Structure
Under the overarching theme “Educating for Futures”, the 4UIRC will address the following interconnected thematic areas. In line with the established tradition of the UIRC and as reflected in previous editions, each theme is intended to accommodate diverse disciplinary, regional, and methodological perspectives, and to integrate cross-cutting considerations such as gender equality, inclusion, youth participation, and equity in access to education and opportunity.
Educating for:
- Human Security and Social Resilience
- Anticipation and Adaptive Governance
- Digital Futures and Ethical Innovation
- Climate and Ecological Futures
- Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Futures
- Impact and Systems Transformation
Methodology
The 4UIRC is fully aligned with UNITAR’s vision of a world where empowered individuals and institutions advance peace, security, and sustainable development, and its mission to bridge gaps in knowledge and skills through impactful training, research, and innovative learning solutions.
Guided by the United Nations Charter, the UN Leadership Framework, and UNITAR’s core values of inclusion, integrity, humility, and humanity, the conference will uphold principles of impartiality, independence, and evidence-based inquiry. It contributes directly to UNITAR’s four Strategic Objectives by:
- Empowering individuals with future ready capacities (SO1);
- Strengthening institutional capacity to implement global and national priorities (SO2);
- Supporting the development of learning ecosystems (SO3);
- Enhancing UN capacity building through research and shared learning (SO4).
Targeted Audience
The conference will convene global scholars, practitioners, policymakers, students, community leaders, and UN stakeholders through a combination of:
- Research presentations and panels;
- Applied and practitioner-oriented sessions;
- Roundtables and collaborative dialogues.
The 4UIRC will promote interdisciplinarity, plurilingualism, gender balance, and inclusive participation.
Additional Information
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 4th 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. UNITAR can provide a digital (PDF) letter of invitation to support your visa application upon request; it will only be issued after proof of payment is received. Kindly email your proof of payment to elearning.ptp [at] unitar.org (elearning[dot]ptp[at]unitar[dot]org).
Please note:
- Conference fees are non-refundable, including cases where a visa is delayed or denied.
- Participants should arrange their own travel insurance.
- No additional invoices will be issued: 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.
Thank you for your understanding.