Call for Papers
CCF 55th Annual Conference National University of Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia September 9–13, 2026
Comparative Perspectives on Resilience and Civilizational Futures
The Comparative Civilizations Forum (CCF)/ International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations (ISCSC) invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across disciplines and regions to submit papers for its 2026 annual conference in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This year’s conference follows the UNCCD COP17*, also hosted in Ulaanbaatar, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of civilizational resilience, stewardship, and global governance.
Conference at a Glance
Arrivals: No later than September 9, 2026
Conference Program: September 10–12, 2026
Field Trip & Banquet: September 13, 2026
Departures: September 14, 2026
Conference Themes
We welcome analytical, historical, theoretical, and policy papers that address the following themes:
Primary Theme
Civilizations and Resilience
Secondary Themes
Global Knowledge: Elites and Local Communities
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Comparative analysis of how global institutions and local traditions interact in shaping civilizational futures.
State and Civilization in social, political, science, and environmental policy
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Comparative perspectives on how scientific knowledge shapes civilizational responses to crisis and stress.
Bridging modern climate governance (COP17) with historical state interventions
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Comparative insights linking COP17-era governance with past civilizational strategies of stewardship.
Pastoral societies and Rangeland stewardship
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Exploring the civilizational significance and interaction of pastoral societies in Mongolia, Central Asia, Africa, and beyond, aligning with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (2026).
Cultural Narratives
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Myths, religions, and philosophies and stewardship across civilizations; how cultural values
influence civilizational sustainability policies.
Modern Civilization: Advancing, standing still, or regressing?
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Comparative assessments of contemporary civilizational trajectories.
Important Dates
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Firm Abstract deadline: May 20, 2026
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Notification of acceptance: approx. two weeks after the deadline
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Late submissions may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
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Presenter registration deadline: July 15, 2026
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Registration details are posted and updated on the CCF website as they become available
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You are cordially invited to register and attend the conference whether submitting an abstract for presentation or not
Questions?
Please contact Conference Program Chair Robert Bedeski at rbedeski.ccf@gmail.com.
Location & Logistics
The conference will take place at the National University of Mongolia, with lodging options available near the university in central Ulaanbaatar. Attendees will also have opportunities to join excursions highlighting Mongolia’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Travel notes
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Participation is subject to current visa requirements for entry to Mongolia.
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Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
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CCF will provide a list of suggested hotels within walking distance of the venue.
*About UNCCD COP17
COP17 will bring together UNCCD’s 197 Parties in a crucial global forum to accelerate action against desertification, land degradation and drought. As one of the most affected countries by desertification, with nearly 77 per cent of its land degraded, Mongolia will leverage COP17 to drive solutions for land restoration, sustainable land management and resilience-building across the world.
COP17, set for 2026 during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) — declared by the United Nations General Assembly and championed by Mongolia — will build on efforts to promote the sustainable management, restoration and conservation of rangelands.