The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is inviting researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, community leaders and other stakeholders to participate in the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC), taking place on 18–19 November 2026 under the theme “Educating for Futures.” The conference will be held at UN House in Brussels, Belgium, with an online participation option available for those unable to attend in person. The 2026 edition will examine how education, training and applied research can strengthen human security, peace, resilience and sustainable development. With participation available both in person and online, the 4UIRC provides an international platform for scholars and practitioners to exchange research, develop partnerships and explore innovative approaches to addressing complex global challenges. About the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference The UNITAR International Research Conference is an annual flagship initiative of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, organised in collaboration with international partners. Since its launch in 2023, the conference series has explored the relationship between education, peace, security and sustainable development. Previous editions focused on areas including climate security, higher education and peacebuilding, and bridging knowledge and action to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2026 conference will move the discussion toward future-oriented capacity development and the creation of a Peace Learning Innovation Lab. The conference comes at an important point in the global development agenda, as countries assess progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and work to translate international commitments into practical action. Conference Theme: Educating for Futures The overarching theme, “Educating for Futures,” reflects the growing need for individuals and institutions to develop the skills and knowledge required to navigate rapid global change. Climate-related disasters, displacement, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, changing global supply chains and pressures on multilateral cooperation are creating increasingly interconnected challenges. Against this background, the conference will explore how higher education, lifelong learning, research and capacity development can help societies anticipate emerging risks and build more resilient institutions. Key Themes of the 4UIRC The conference will explore six interconnected thematic areas: Educating for Human Security and Social Resilience Educating for Anticipation and Adaptive Governance Educating for Digital Futures and Ethical Innovation Educating for Climate and Ecological Futures Educating for Youth Leadership and Intergenerational Futures Educating for Impact and Systems Transformation The programme will encourage interdisciplinary, regional and methodological perspectives while incorporating cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, inclusion, youth participation and equitable access to education and opportunities. Who Should Participate? The 4UIRC will bring together a diverse international community, including: Global scholars and researchers Students and early-career researchers Policymakers and government representatives Practitioners and community leaders UN stakeholders Higher education institutions Civil society organisations Other professionals working in peace, security and sustainable development The conference will feature research presentations, expert panels, practitioner-focused sessions, roundtables and collaborative discussions. Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas, share evidence-based research and build connections across academia, policy and practice. Conference Participation and Registration Fees The 4th UNITAR International Research Conference will take place on 18–19 November 2026. Those attending physically will participate at UN House, Bd du Régent 37, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium. The conference can also be attended online, making it accessible to participants around the world. The registration deadline for both participation options is 11 September 2026. The participation fees are: In-person attendance: USD 360 Online attendance: USD 300 Registration is considered complete after an application has been selected and the corresponding payment has been received. Leave No One Behind: Limited Online Fee Waivers UNITAR is also offering a limited number of free online participation places through its “Leave No One Behind” initiative. The fee-waiver opportunity is specifically intended for individuals who meet the stated inclusion criteria, including: Women and youth, particularly students and early-career researchers Participants from the Global South, including Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States Indigenous peoples Persons with disabilities Displaced individuals Grassroots practitioners and community leaders without institutional support Only four limited free online participation spots are available, and selection will be competitive. The application deadline for the online fee waiver was 31 August 2026. Call for Abstracts UNITAR also invited researchers and scholars to submit original abstracts for presentation at the conference and possible inclusion as full papers in a special edited research volume connected to the 4UIRC. Proposed research should examine how education, training and applied research can help individuals and institutions address current and future challenges in human security, peace and sustainable development. Submissions should demonstrate relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Pact for the Future, the New Agenda for Peace and the conference’s thematic priorities. The abstract submission deadline was 31 August 2026. Editorial Board and Partnership Opportunities Qualified scholars and practitioners were also invited to express interest in joining the 4UIRC Editorial Board, which will provide scholarly leadership, peer-review oversight and thematic guidance for the special research volume. UNITAR is additionally welcoming universities, research centres, civil society organisations, governments, foundations, international institutions and private-sector organisations interested in becoming conference partners. Partnership opportunities include co-hosting sessions, sponsoring participation, supporting research exchange, promoting student engagement and contributing to conference funding. Why Attend the UNITAR Research Conference? The 4UIRC offers an opportunity to engage with international experts on some of the most pressing challenges affecting education, peace, security and sustainable development. For researchers and students, it can provide a platform to present ideas and connect with academics and practitioners. For policymakers and development professionals, the conference offers opportunities to explore evidence-based approaches to strengthening institutional capacity and achieving global development priorities. The combination of in-person and online participation also allows professionals from different regions to engage with the conference according to their circumstances. As the world approaches the final years of the 2030 Agenda, discussions around future-ready education, resilience, ethical technology, climate action and youth leadership are increasingly important. The 4th UNITAR International Research Conference 2026 therefore provides a timely platform for turning research and education into practical solutions for a more peaceful, resilient and sustainable future. 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