The Network for Education and Research for Peace and Sustainability (NERPS) held its fifth international conference, the NERPS 2026 Conference, from 4–6 March 2026 at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan. The theme of this year’s conference is “Harnessing Technologies for Strengthening Multilateralism on Peace and Sustainability.”
The Opening Session took place at the U Thant Hall of the United Nations University. Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Prof. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President and Director of NERPS at Hiroshima University, delivered their Opening Remarks to welcome all conference participants.
Dr. Måns Nilsson, Executive Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute, delivered the first Keynote Address, emphasizing the need to recognize the synergies between security and sustainability and stressing the importance of long-term strategic investments and political commitment. In the second Keynote Address, Ms. Rumiko Seya, President of Reach Alternatives (REALs), highlighted how a “do no harm” approach can help peacebuilding practitioners avoid the “digital trap” when supporting conflict prevention and lifesaving humanitarian efforts. Both Keynote Speakers emphasized that addressing current global issues, such as environmental crises and armed conflicts, requires proactive governance, ethical standards, and ongoing commitment to peace, security, and sustainability. Together, their insights prompted discussions on how responsible use of technology and policy innovation can strengthen multilateral approaches to advancing peace and sustainability.
Photos from UNU
The NERPS 2026 Conference brought together 322 researchers, practitioners, and students from 152 universities, research institutes, and NGOs across 37 countries. It also provided conference bursaries to 21 students. The conference featured 63 sessions (including eight organized sessions) across nine parallel sessions, 242 in-person and online oral presentations, 22 poster presentations, two roundtables, and one workshop.
During the Closing Ceremony on March 6th, conference co-chair Dr. Dahlia Simangan of Hiroshima University presented the Best Presentation and Best Paper Awards for both student and non-student categories. The awardees were selected based on a series of reviews by the NERPS core members, the conference’s scientific committee members, and session chairs.
Dr. Muhammad Badrul Hasan (University of Dhaka), Dr. Kumar Tusharkanti (Kyoto University), and Dr. Alma Jeftic (University of Geneva) received the Best Presentation Award in the Non-Student Category. In the Student Category, the Best Presentation Award was presented to Renz Prudenciado (Asian Institute of Technology), Norsheranesah Binti Abdul Mutalib (University Malaysia Sabah), and Do Nguyen Thanh Nhan (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University).
For the Best Paper Award in the Non-Student Category, the recipients were Barbara Monticelli (IULM University), Julia Mori Aparecido (São Paulo State University), and Ricardo Medina (University of Toronto). In the Student Category, the Best Paper Award was presented to Nadia Hussain (Hiroshima University), Endriana Prasetyawati (United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security), and Balinskaia Aleksandra (Kanazawa University).
Additionally, 21 students who received conference bursaries from NERPS were also recognized.
In his Summary of the Conference, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala reflected on NERPS 2026’s broader impact and its role in guiding collective efforts toward global objectives. Prof. Marwala encouraged participants to develop relationships from the event, emphasizing that meaningful partnerships are vital for research and collaboration. He also stressed the importance of translating academic findings into policies that drive action. He praised the tremendous efforts that led to the success of the conference—by far the largest in NERPS’ history—ending with Nelson Mandela’s well-known quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
In his Closing Remarks, Prof. Shinji Kaneko expressed sincere gratitude for the exceptional support that made the NERPS 2026 Conference possible. Prof. Kaneko also acknowledged the Model United Nations Club from the International Community School in Bangkok, Thailand, praising the high school students for their inspiring dedication to raising funds to participate in the conference. He also announced that the National Research and Innovation Agency (Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional or BRIN) will serve as the partner institution and venue for the NERPS 2027 Conference, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 17–20 March 2027. Prof. Arif Satria, Chairman of BRIN, delivered a recorded message welcoming all participants to Jakarta next year.
Parallel sessions
The NERPS 2026 Conference was made possible through the support of its Conference Partners: The University of Queensland, De La Salle University, Davao del Norte State College, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Centre for Social Change, Earth System Governance, Stockholm Environment Institute, Asian Institute of Technology, Tohoku University Research Center for Policy Design, Lakehead University, Kyushu University Urban Institute, Keio University India Japan Laboratory, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, and Thapar School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. It also received sponsorship from Columbia SPS M.S. in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Columbia Climate School Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity, and Uwezo Uganda
Written by Martin Millete, NERPS Student Fellow
Testimonials from our NERPS 2026 Conference
I am pleased to share my experience at NERPS 2026, which was exceptionally well-organized and intellectually enriching. The conference brought together a diverse group of researchers and practitioners working on sustainability, peace, and global policy challenges, creating a meaningful platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange. As a presenter, I had the opportunity to share my research on tariff policy shifts and their implications for export resilience in developing economies, particularly in the context of Bangladesh. The discussions were highly relevant and thought-provoking, offering valuable insights into the intersection of global trade dynamics and sustainable development. Engaging with scholars from different backgrounds significantly enriched my perspective and opened avenues for future collaboration. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the organizers in hosting such a high-quality international conference.
Mohammad Shahriar Azad Bhuiyan
(UniCap Securities Limited)
Attending the NERPS 2026 Conference at the United Nations University was a truly meaningful experience. Presenting my research in a space dedicated to peace and sustainability, while engaging with scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, was both inspiring and enriching. The conversations were thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in real-world impact, which made the experience especially valuable. NERPS created an environment where academic work and practice come together in a way that feels hopeful and necessary. I left with new ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed commitment to contributing to research and practice that support more peaceful and resilient societies.
Michelle Blaya-Burgo
(Claremont Graduate University)
Participating in the NERPS conference has been a highly enriching and inspiring experience. The event provided an excellent platform to share research, exchange ideas, and build meaningful academic connections with scholars from diverse backgrounds. I particularly appreciated the well-organized sessions and the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions on environmental and sustainability issues. NERPS not only enhanced my academic perspective but also motivated me to further contribute to interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I am grateful for the professionalism of the organizing committee and the overall quality of the conference.I strongly encourage fellow researchers and academics to participate in future NERPS events.
Fifin Fitriana
(University Malaysia Perlis)
You must be logged in to post a comment.