Wednesday, February 11, 2026

CfPs: International Seminar on India on the World Stage: Soft Power, Policy & Youth Diplomacy | 26-28 March | NU, Bihar

 26-28 March 2026
Hosted by Nalanda University (Institution of National Importance), Bihar, in partnership with the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India.

Call for Papers
Nalanda University, revived as a global center of learning rooted in India's civilizational ethos, stands as a symbol of dialogue, cultural exchange, and knowledge-sharing. In the 21st century, as India redefines its global identity, youth engagement through soft power, diplomacy, and policy innovation is indispensable.
The International Seminar series initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports provides an opportunity to situate Nalanda University at the forefront of these conversations. By integrating India's heritage of knowledge diplomacy with contemporary policy debates, Nalanda can contribute substantively to shaping youth leadership for a multipolar world. "'Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah'" (Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions) this timeless Vedic ideal underpins Nalanda's philosophy of open dialogue and cross-cultural learning.
Young Scholars, practitioners, and policymakers below the age of 35 years from around the world are invited to submit original research papers based on the themes given in the theme section. The following are illustrative of the scope of the seminar and are not meant to be exhaustive.
Conference sub-themes  
  • Youth diplomacy for a sustainable and just world
  • Youth climate advocacy
  • Cultural and educational diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
  • Role of youth in humanitarian and environmental diplomacy
  • Heritage, Conservation & Cultural Corridors and Civilization
  • Dialogue, Diplomacy and Peace
  • Translation and Narratives; multilingual public diplomacy
  • Literary exchanges, soft power and digital humanities.
Authors who wish to present their research at the seminar must submit the extended abstract in the following format:
Title of the paper, names, affiliations and emails of authors, extended abstract of 2000 - 2500 words, and 4–5 keywords in Times New Roman font size 12, single spaced. Email id and contact number of corresponding author should be given as a footnote. All accepted extended abstracts will undergo peer review and upon acceptance will be published as the compendium. Acceptance of abstracts implies the work will be presented in the conference and at least one author will attend the conference.
Accommodation and Travel: Accommodation and travel for participants whose papers will be accepted for the presentation will be supported by the Host (Nalanda University).

Important Dates:
  • Extended Abstract Deadline: February 24, 2026
  • Acceptance Notification: February 28, 2026.

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