Roots of Peace
- Embracing Our Shared Future -
As 2025 marks eighty years since the end of World War II, 2026 becomes a crucial year to ask how humanity can transform the lessons of that war into concrete steps toward lasting peace. The twentieth century showed that peace is not just the absence of war; it has roots in justice, empathy, inclusion, and trust carefully built over generations.
Today, polarization, misinformation, and widening disparities threaten our ability to live together. Climate crises, unequal economies, fragile mental health, and growing risks in digital spaces all signal the need to re‑examine where peace truly begins. When we look beneath conflict and division, we discover deep “roots” that still connect us: a shared longing for dignity in work, a sense of belonging for every person, honesty and trust in our relationships, and genuine cooperation across cultures. These aspirations are not just ideals—they are the very starting points, the living triggers, from which real peace can grow.
This year’s International Student Conference invites young pioneers to rediscover and strengthen these roots by learning from the past, championing rights and wellbeing in the present, and building resilience in every sphere from environment and economy to education and technology. Through dialogue, innovation, and collective action, we aim to plant and nurture the conditions in which peace can take root and endure. “Embracing Our Shared Future” means recognizing the interconnections between people and nations, rebuilding trust, and cultivating the hope that peace can be made real—not just remembered as history, but lived as our legacy.
ISC 72 TABLE TOPICS
T1
Co-creating Cultures for the Future
What do we need to do for diverse cultures to resonate and co-create cultures for the future?
Table Description：
With the advancement of civilization and technology, as well as the formation of nations and communities, the world has seen the creation of diverse and unique cultures. In modern times, the progress of informatization and globalization has made it easier to access other cultures. However, challenges remain in passing down traditional cultures and reevaluating their significance. This topic will explore ways to preserve the uniqueness of each culture while fostering harmony among diverse cultures and creating new possibilities together.
Keywords：
Traditional performing art, historical heritage, local community revitalisation, tourism, art, music, sports, cultural arts, Cool Japan, manga and anime, Esports, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes：
Regional experiential programs and internships / platform to promote the fusion of tradition and modernity / Digital preservation of cultural heritage
The Future of Community
and Mobility
T2
What is a community where we can live as we are?
Table Description：
In modern society, advances in mobility technology and digital infrastructure have made it possible for people, goods, and services to move and be utilized across any location. At the same time, remote work, social media, and the metaverse are enabling communities to form beyond physical boundaries. However, challenges remain, such as infrastructure gaps between urban and rural areas, disaster resilience, and ensuring accessibility for all, including the elderly and people with disabilities. This topic explores how digitalization and mobility can create new opportunities for connection and individual expression. We will discuss disaster recovery, aging populations, and the balance between physical and digital spaces to envision a more inclusive future.
Keywords：
Smart cities, digital garden cities, disaster prevention and reconstruction, metaverse, space, robots, EV/FCV, automatic operation, flying cars, cyber security, MaaS etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes :
Connecting Urban and Rural Infrastructure / New Mobility Systems to deal with Unexpected Disaster / Integrating Metaverse and Physical Communities
T3
Necessities of Life- Food, Clothing, and Shelter
What do we need to do to realize a future where everyone has access to food, clothing, and shelter ?
Table Description:
In developed countries, goods and services are easily accessible, yet excessive production and consumption are placing an increasing burden on the environment. At the same time, many people around the world continue to face food shortages and poverty, struggling to secure a decent standard of living, leading to a widening gap in material wealth.Furthermore, changes in social structures, such as the rise of dual-income households and the increase in single-person households, have diversified the ways people live.This topic will focus on envisioning a future where everyone can fully enjoy adequate living conditions, including food, clothing, and shelter. Discussions will explore sustainable consumption and production, mechanisms to address inequality, and the role of technological innovation in achieving a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Keywords :
Food loss, food tech, food education, food culture, smart agriculture, forestry and fisheries industry, sustainable fashion, ethical consumption, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Achieving agricultural production aligned with population and consumption needs / Transitioning from fast fashion to sustainable fashion / Building a circular system for food waste management / personalized and optimized nutritional management
Learning and Playing
What should humans learn in the era of AI?
T4
Table Description:
In today's society, technological advancements are rapidly transforming the way we learn. AI excels at processing vast amounts of information and facilitating efficient learning. However, creativity, emotional intelligence, and flexible thinking remain uniquely human qualities.
The spread of online education and digital tools has expanded access to learning opportunities. Yet, educational disparities persist, posing a significant challenge.
This topic explores the nature of learning in the AI era. By examining how machines and humans can collaborate to create innovative learning systems, we aim to discuss ways to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.
Examples of Issues:
Lifelong Learning / EdTech / Intellectual Property Utilization / Personalized Learning / Remote Learning / Youth Independence / Educational Disparities / STEAM / Entrepreneurship / Global Play
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Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Development of AI-Human Collaborative Learning Models / Promotion of Creative Thinking / Design of Personalized Curricula / Implementation of Corporate Education Programs
T5
Peace, Human Security, and Dignity
What do we do to realize a world where discrimination is eliminated and people respect each other?
Table Description:
Across the world, poverty and social inequality continue to spread, preventing many people from enjoying their basic rights. Discrimination in employment and education, disparities in living conditions, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities remain serious issues.
To address these challenges, a fundamental review of social structures is necessary. Achieving a society where all individuals are treated equally and respect one another requires policy reforms and a shift in public awareness.
In this topic, we will discuss how to take action against these issues and explore practical solutions that can be implemented.
Keywords :
Hunger, poverty, social inequality, human rights violations, child labor and forced labor, human trafficking, participation of persons with disabilities, gender equality, LGBTQ, promotion of women’s participation and advancement in the workplace, immigration, human security, diversity and inclusion etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Promoting Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion through Education / Promoting Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion through Education / Strengthening Social Security Systems and Poverty Reduction Programs / Advancing Policies to Achieve Gender Equality
The Future of Earth and Biodiversity
What do we do to preserve the earth for future generations with abundant and diverse life?
T6
Table Description:
All living organisms on Earth play a role in maintaining the natural balance through coexistence. However, human activities have disrupted this balance, leading to climate change, deforestation, and marine pollution. These environmental changes threaten many species, pushing them to the brink of extinction.
Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity negatively impacts human society, potentially disrupting food supply, healthcare, and environmental conservation efforts.
In this topic, we will discuss concrete measures to protect and restore biodiversity in order to achieve a sustainable society.
Keywords :
Climate change, decarbonisation, biodiversity, circular economy, renewable energy, hydrogen society, Nature Positive, deforestation, marine pollution, woodland regeneration, freshwater resources, etc.
Potential Solutions/Outcomes:
Implementation of Biodiversity Restoration Programs / Conservation and Valuation of Ecosystem Services /
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Nature-Based Education