Special Volume of Selected Papers of the Second UNITAR International Research Conference: Our Common Agenda and the Role of Higher Education in Conflict, Peace, and Development: UN 2.0

The Second UNITAR International Research Conference (2UIRC) did notsimply mark the close of an event but opened a renewed chapter in globaldialogue. Over two days, participants reaffirmed that higher education mustevolve beyond its traditional boundaries to drive inclusive and globallyresponsive solutions. A key theme was the need to bridge knowledge andaction, translating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into sustainabledevelopment practices grounded in lived experiences, social responsibility,and tangible impact on peace and security.Collaboration emerged as a cornerstone for transformation. Participantsemphasised the necessity of breaking out of silos, fostering equity andinclusion, and amplifying leadership from the Global South. Concreteproposals—such as access to higher and continued education and co-fundedpartnerships—aligned with SDG 4, focussing on education, SGD 16, focussingon peace and security, and SGD 17, focusing on accessible and equitableinstitutional collaborations.Discussions also highlighted the role of higher education in societaltransformation through public scholarship, community-based research,and mutual respect. A panellist noted, “We can't lecture those people in ourcommunities. They have as much experience as we do. The only thing we cando is to be a catalyst, to be a facilitator.” Students played a pivotal role duringthe conference too, infusing urgency, relevance, and energy, reminding us thatthe future of education is already here—collaborative and ready to lead.Looking ahead, to the next edition in December 2025, we will build on thisfoundation with themes such as humanitarian and development action, climateresilience and peace, rethinking peace and security, and the role of artificialintelligence in peacebuilding. Concrete next steps include the launch of aSpecial Edition of the UNITAR International Research Conference series andexpanded institutional partnerships.The 2UIRC embodied the aspirations of UN 2.0, with the Quintet of Change—data, digital transformation, foresight, innovation, and behavioural science—not as abstract ideals but as practical tools for a more resilient future.Let us continue this journey together, advancing education as a cornerstonefor peace and security, resilience, and sustainable development. We lookforward to reconvening in 2025, stronger and united in purpose.Evariste KarambiziDirector, Division for PeaceUnited Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR