International Scientific Conference on Sustainable Development Goals
"A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainable Development Goals"
hosted by the University "St. Kliment Ohridski" - Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia
13-14th November 2026 in Bitola
In celebration of World Science Day for Peace and Development, the University "St. Kliment Ohridski" – Bitola (UKLO) proudly hosts this annual international conference as a platform for multidisciplinary dialogue, innovation, and transformative impact.
Join us in Bitola, Republic of North Macedonia, at the historic House of the Army (Cultural Information Center), for a dynamic international conference dedicated to advancing science for peace and sustainable development.
This conference offers a dynamic and in-depth exploration of the UN Agenda 2030, bringing together diverse voices to tackle the pressing global challenges outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through engaging discussions and collaborative debates, participants will address critical issues such as eradicating poverty and hunger, promoting health and well-being, ensuring quality education, advancing gender equality, and securing access to clean water and sanitation. The event also highlights the importance of affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, innovation and resilient infrastructure, and the reduction of inequalities. Further focus will be placed on creating sustainable cities and communities, fostering responsible consumption and production, taking urgent climate action, and protecting life both below water and on land. Additionally, strengthening peace, justice, strong institutions, and global partnerships will be central themes throughout the conference.
We warmly invite contributions from all academic disciplines that engage with sustainability challenges and SDG-related topics. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: law, political science, security studies, economics, education, agriculture, public health, environmental science, engineering, and information technology. All accepted abstracts will be published in the official UKLO AISC Book of Abstracts. Accepted articles will be published in the peer-reviewed UKLO Proceedings, indexed in Google Scholar, Crossref and Scilit.
This year, the conference is proud to collaborate with the journal Sustainability (WoS- and Scopus-indexed) and Challenges – Journal of Planetary Health (both published by MDPI), based on an agreement concluded between UKLO and MDPI. This partnership provides authors with the opportunity to publish selected high-quality papers in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. It further strengthens the academic impact of the conference and enhances the international visibility of outstanding research presented at the event.
This year, once again, we will include a thematic event within the conference, reflecting our university’s active membership in the COLOURS European University Alliance. Click to read insights from last year’s panel: “Not a project but a long-lasting culture!” - European university alliances on the spot: COLOURS & ChallengeEU
Beyond insightful sessions, the conference offers rich opportunities to network, build partnerships, and spark innovative solutions.
Together, we will galvanize collective action toward a more sustainable, equitable future for all.
AISC 2026 Team
Deadline: 10 September 2026
Registration: Completed through abstract submission (using the provided template).
Submit by email: conference@uklo.edu.mk
Please submit:
Abstract: 150–300 words, IMRAD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion).
Keywords: 5–8
Indication of relevant SDGs (please specify which Sustainable Development Goals your research addresses)
Short academic biography: up to 100 words
Language: English
Include author details:
Name, affiliation, country, ORCID iD (if available), and email address.
IMRAD_Abstract_Template_with_Bio.docxJournal Partners
After the conference, participants may submit their papers directly to Challenges — Journal of Planetary Health independently of the conference publication track. Such submissions are not bound by the conference proceedings regulations and will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process.
Authors who wish to publish in the UKLO Proceedings must follow the specific proceedings guidelines. All other contributors are encouraged to ensure that their manuscripts align with the journal’s scope and adhere to the official article preparation guidelines.
Copyright Policy:
Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Simultaneous submission to Challenges – Journal of Planetary Health and UKLO Proceedings is not permitted, as these are separate publication tracks.
flyer-Challenges.pdfChallenges — Journal of Planetary Health is a transdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal focused on planetary health and the interconnected Grand Challenges affecting human wellbeing and flourishing of all life on Earth. Published quarterly online by MDPI, it accelerates cross-sectoral solutions for sustainable, just, and regenerative futures by integrating insights from the natural, social and health sciences, and the humanities. The journal welcomes contributions that address the social, economic, political, and spiritual dimensions of global challenges, as well as biophysical threats to planetary boundaries. The Nova Network is affiliated with Challenges — Journal of Planetary Health, and the journal supports the global agenda of the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA).
After the conference, participants may submit their papers directly to Sustainability independently of the conference publication track. Such submissions are not bound by the conference proceedings regulations and will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process.
Authors who wish to publish in the UKLO Proceedings must follow the specific proceedings guidelines. All other contributors are encouraged to ensure that their manuscripts align with the journal’s scope and adhere to the official article preparation guidelines.
Copyright Policy:
Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Simultaneous submission to Sustainability and UKLO Proceedings is not permitted, as these are separate publication tracks.
sustainability Journal Booklet web.pdfSustainability is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of human beings, published semimonthly online by MDPI. The Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Sustainability, and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
NOTE for UKLO-affiliated authors:
All affiliated authors (with a UKLO email address) — including academic staff, members of the UKLO network, researchers, students, postgraduate, and PhD candidates — are entitled to a 10% discount on Article Processing Charges (APCs) when publishing in MDPI journals. This discount may be combined with other available discounts.
In addition, affiliated authors also receive:
• a 10% discount on Book Processing Charges (BPCs) within MDPI Books;
• a 15% discount on language editing services through MDPI Author Services.
The University “St. Kliment Ohridski” – Bitola (UKLO) proudly marks its presence in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, a prestigious global evaluation of universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
UKLO ranked 601–800 out of 1,350 institutions worldwide, reflecting its commitment to fostering employability, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic development.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
With a position of 401–600 out of 1,265 institutions, UKLO demonstrates strong engagement in promoting democratic values, transparent governance, and inclusive institutions.
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals
UKLO achieved a ranking of 1001–1500 out of 2,389 institutions, underlining its dedication to building international collaborations and strengthening academic partnerships for sustainable progress.
The Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the SDGs.
UKLO’s results highlight its growing role as a regional leader in higher education, contributing to both local and global development.
These achievements reinforce UKLO’s mission to combine academic excellence with social responsibility, preparing students not only for careers but also for active citizenship.
This success story positions UKLO as a university that is globally recognized for its values and impact, while remaining deeply rooted in its local community.
