IGSD News

The University of Warwick proudly launched the Early Career Researcher Sustainability Training Academy 2026 (ECR STA 2026), 24-27March, 2026. This flagship initiative, organized by the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) in collaboration with the University’s Sustainability Spotlight and Society and Culture Spotlight, aims to empower the next generation of transdisciplinary leaders. The 2026 Academy brings together 20 of Warwick’s most innovative postgraduate and early career researchers (ECRs) for an intensive four-day programme. Building on the success of previous iterations in Venice (2025) and the global STS (2023 and 2024), this year’s academy focuses on critical interdisciplinary concepts, innovative methodologies, and creative reflections "beyond the Self."

The ECR STA 2026 continues Warwick’s commitment to global partnerships, supported by alliances such as EUTOPIA, GUILD, Monash Alliance, and UN SDSN UK. By pioneering new ways of training, the University remains at the forefront of driving just and equitable transitions toward a more resilient future.

For more information on the ECR STA 2026 and the Institute for Global Sustainable Development, please visit the Official STA 2026 Event PageLink opens in a new window or the IGSD Training School ArchiveLink opens in a new window.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Department of International Relations, in collaboration with the European Foreign Policy Unit, hosted Professor Elena Korosteleva’s latest book launch, Complexity and Community in International Relations: Nurturing Resilience in Central Eurasia.

The event centered on Professor Korosteleva’s innovative research, which challenges traditional "top-down" policy approaches to resilience. By examining communities across Belarus, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, the book revealed how social memory, centuries-old traditions, and deep-rooted cultural ideas serve as vital lifelines in the face of poverty, climate emergencies, and the ravages of war. "Rather than treating resilience as a mere policy tool, this study reframes it as a complex, communal process of identity and political agency," says Korosteleva. "It offers a lesson for all social and political actors globally as we navigate the uncertainties of the Anthropocene."

The panel was chaired by Prof. Federica Bicchi (LSE) and discussants included:

• David Chandler: Professor of International Relations at the University of Westminster and Editor of the journal Anthropocenes.
• Emilian Kavalski: Professor of International Relations at Tampere University, Finland
• Teona Giuashvili: DINAM Fellow at the LSE Department of International Relations and former Georgian diplomat.

The discussion was recorded as a podcast, and the link will be available shortly for further information.

LONDON, March 9, 2026 – The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) today hosted the Belarusian Democratic Forces for a series of high-level strategic consultations at King Charles Street. The meetings represent a deepening of the ongoing strategic dialogue between the United Kingdom and the representatives of the democratic movement led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

The consultations were led by Chris Allan, FCDO Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The sessions were organized around four critical pillars of cooperation:

• Politics and Economics: Focusing on diplomatic strategy and the economic resilience of the democratic movement.
• Security: Addressing regional stability and security sector reforms for a future democratic Belarus.
• Human Rights and Social Politics: Highlighting the plight of political prisoners and the ongoing struggle for civil liberties.
• Culture, Diaspora, and Media: Strengthening the Belarusian national identity and supporting independent media and the diaspora community abroad.

These consultations build upon a partnership launched in 2025, aimed at ensuring Belarus remains a priority in the UK’s international policy. The discussions today included prominent Belarusian experts and civil society leaders, including Professor Elena Korosteleva from the University of Warwick.

Further information on UK support for Belarus can be found on the official FCDO websiteLink opens in a new window and the Office of Sviatlana TsikhanouskayaLink opens in a new window.