- Annual event since 2023Frequency
- ~USD 300-360Participation Fee
- 18-19 November 2026Conference Dates
- Brussels, Belgium and OnlineLocation
- Open to all disciplinesDisciplines
- Limited fee waivers availableSupport
At a glance
partial
Funding
—
Max amount
Jan 7, 2027
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Oxford
Provider
The 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC) is an annual flagship initiative organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in collaboration with international partners. Established in 2023, the conference series explores the intricate relationship between education, peace, security, and sustainable development. The 2026 edition, held on 18–19 November, focuses on “Educating for Futures” and examines how education, training, and applied research can strengthen human security, peace, resilience, and sustainable development. Participants can attend either in person at UN House in Brussels, Belgium, or virtually, making it accessible globally. The conference brings together a diverse international community of researchers, students, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions to complex global challenges. Registration fees range from ~USD 300 for online attendance to ~USD 360 for in-person participation. The 4UIRC aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on future-oriented capacity development. It offers a platform for presenting research, networking, and developing partnerships across academia, policy, and practice. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Conference Access — Participation in all conference sessions, whether in-person or online.
- In-person Registration Fee — Covers attendance at UN House in Brussels, Belgium, for ~USD 360 (est.).
- Online Registration Fee — Covers virtual attendance from anywhere in the world for ~USD 300 (est.).
- Networking Opportunities — Access to international experts, scholars, and practitioners.
- Research Exchange — Platform for presenting research and engaging in collaborative discussions.
- Fee Waivers — Limited free online participation spots for eligible individuals from specific inclusion criteria.
How to apply
To participate in the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference, interested individuals must register and pay the corresponding fee, unless they qualified for a limited fee waiver. The process involves selecting the attendance type and ensuring payment is completed.
- Visit the Official Registration Page — Navigate to the official UNITAR website for the 4UIRC to find the registration portal.
- Choose Participation Option — Select either 'In-person attendance' for Brussels or 'Online attendance'.
- Complete the Registration Form — Fill in all required personal and professional details on the online registration form.
- Submit Payment — Pay the applicable registration fee (USD 360 for in-person, USD 300 for online) to finalize your participation.
Eligibility
Participant TypeGlobal scholars, researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, community leaders, UN stakeholders, higher education institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant professionals.
Interest AreaWorking in or interested in peace, security, and sustainable development, particularly concerning how education and research can address global challenges.
Fee Waiver EligibilityWomen and youth (especially students and early-career researchers), participants from the Global South (including LDCs and SIDS), Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, displaced individuals, and grassroots practitioners without institutional support.
Abstract Submission (past)Researchers and scholars who submitted original abstracts by 31 August 2026, examining the role of education in human security, peace, and sustainable development.
Limited online fee waivers are highly competitive and primarily target individuals from underrepresented or vulnerable groups, as per UNITAR's 'Leave No One Behind' initiative. The deadlines for abstract submission and fee waiver applications have already passed for the 2026 conference.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
General Registration2026-09-11
Online Fee Waiver (est.)2026-08-31
Abstract Submission (est.)2026-08-31
Selection
Selection for general participation is primarily based on successful registration and payment of the conference fee. For the limited online fee waivers, selection was competitive and based on specific inclusion criteria such as gender, age (youth), geographic origin (Global South), and socio-economic status, aiming to support underrepresented individuals. The call for abstracts also involved a selection process by an editorial board to determine presentations for the conference and inclusion in a research volume.
Verified sources
- 4th UNITAR International Research Conference 2026unitar.orgofficial
About the provider
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations System, providing capacity development to enhance decision-making and support global action. Established in 1963, UNITAR delivers innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations, and institutions worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference?
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The 4th UNITAR International Research Conference (4UIRC) is an annual event organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. It serves as an international platform for scholars and practitioners to exchange research on education, peace, security, and sustainable development.
What does the conference cover?
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The conference covers various themes related to 'Educating for Futures,' including human security, adaptive governance, digital futures, climate action, youth leadership, and systems transformation. It explores how education, training, and research can address global challenges.
What is the award value or cost to attend?
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The cost to attend is ~USD 360 for in-person participation and ~USD 300 for online participation. A limited number of free online participation spots were available through a fee-waiver initiative.
Who is eligible to participate?
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The conference is open to global scholars, researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, community leaders, and UN stakeholders. Specific criteria applied for limited fee waivers, targeting women, youth, individuals from the Global South, and other vulnerable groups.
Which countries are eligible?
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Participants from all countries are eligible to attend the conference. The online option makes it accessible globally, and specific fee waivers prioritize individuals from the Global South.
Which study levels does this conference cater to?
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The conference is relevant for students at all higher education levels, including bachelors, masters, and PhD candidates, as well as early-career researchers and established academics.
What is the deadline to apply?
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The general registration deadline for the 4th UNITAR International Research Conference is 11 September 2026. Deadlines for abstract submissions and online fee waivers were 31 August 2026 (est.).
How do I apply for this conference?
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To apply, you need to visit the official UNITAR conference website, select your preferred mode of participation (in-person or online), complete the registration form, and submit the required payment. Ensure you meet the registration deadline.
What documents are required for registration?
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General registration typically requires completing an online form with personal and professional details, followed by payment. No specific documents are listed as required for general registration itself.
How are participants selected?
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General participants are selected upon successful completion of their registration and payment. For the limited online fee waivers, selection was competitive and based on meeting specific inclusion criteria.
What is the duration of the conference and is there renewal?
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The conference takes place over two days, on 18–19 November 2026. This is an annual event, but participation is for a single edition; there is no renewal process for individual attendance.
Where can I confirm the current cycle details?
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You can confirm all current cycle details, including exact dates, fees, and any updates, on the official United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) website for the conference.