Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far
and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS | 2026 Graduate Student Conference: "Navigating a New World Order: Turbulence, and Transformation in Asia"

Details

The UP Asian Center is now accepting abstract submissions for the 2026 AC Graduate Student Conference, “Navigating a New World Order: Turbulence, and Transformation in Asia.” The deadline for submission is EXTENDED to 19 April 2026, 5 PM, Manila Time. The conference is open only to the students currently enrolled at the UP Asian Center and TriCollege Ph.D. Philippine Studies Program.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE THEME

The contemporary global landscape is marked by profound geopolitical reconfigurations, economic volatility, socio-cultural and political transformation that collectively signal the emergence of a “new world order.” The global turbulence arising from the great power dynamics is now affecting different geographical regions more than ever. Nowhere are these dynamics more pronounced than in Asia—a region that stands at the epicenter of shifting power asymmetries, contested sovereignties, and competing visions of regional and global governance. Asian country affairs, in all fields — economics, politics, security, health, business, sustainability, environment, governance, international affairs, heritage and the arts, technology, among others — have changed dramatically in recent years. Nations are grappling with the effects of oil prices. Still, beyond that, countries in Asia are starting to navigate a new world order, striking a balance between their global position and governance at home.

In this context, the conference invites the Asian Center’s graduate students to explore how turbulence and turmoil operate as constitutive modalities shaping Asia’s trajectories of transformation. Particular attention is given to how local, national, and transnational actors mobilize these modalities to respond to crises, assert influence, and reimagine futures. It brings together the insights and perspectives of learners, educators, practitioners, and members of the public to examine and confront the challenges ahead.

THEMES

    1. Geopolitics and Regional Security
    2. ASEAN and Regionalism
    3. Development, Resilience and Sustainability
    4. Community Building and People Empowerment
    5. Culture, Religion, and Society
    6. Technology, Media, and Digital Power
    7. Migration, Diaspora, and Transnationalism
    8. Environment, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction

ELIGIBILITY

    • Must be currently enrolled in the UP Asian Center or the Ph.D. TriCollege Philippine Studies Program. 

 SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

    • The abstract submission must be written in English or Filipino, not exceeding 300 words. It should outline the scope, objectives, methods, and findings of the paper.
    • Submissions must be  unpublished.
    • The format must be single-spaced, on an A4 document size. The font must be Times New Roman, 12 pt.
    • Submissions must use the latest APA reference style.
    • Participants must indicate if they will join the paper presentation or the poster presentation.

    • The deadline for submission is EXTENDED to 19 April 2026, 5 PM, Manila Time. Additional guidelines will be sent to qualified proposals.

POWERPOINT AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS FOR SHORTLISTED ABSTRACTS

    • All finalists will be required to do an oral presentation during the conference on 30 May 2026.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER

This conference is organized by the UP Asian Center. View past graduate student conferences.

For inquiries, please contact us at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 891-8500 loc. 3586.