International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences (ISCSS 2026)
Theme: "Social Sciences in a Changing World: Building Equity, Empowering Children and Youth, and Advancing Human Development"
About the Conference
The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana, in partnership with “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University and
“Luigj Gurakuqi” University, and with the support of UNICEF Albania, is honoured to announce the International Scientific
Conference on Social Sciences (ISCSS 2026).
Guided by the theme “Social Sciences in a Changing World: Building Equity, Empowering Children and Youth, and Advancing Human Development,”
ISCSS 2026 serves as a premier interdisciplinary forum for academics, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. The conference will explore
how social sciences can drive equitable, resilient, and sustainable societies through innovative research, policy dialogue, and evidence-based practice.
Focusing on the transformation and resilience of inclusive social protection and human service systems, the conference will examine how education,
social policy, public finance, and intersectoral professional cooperation—alongside evidence-based models such as the European Child Guarantee and Youth Guarantee—
can strengthen the empowerment of children and young people as both the present and future of every nation.
In an era defined by conflict, crisis, climate change, poverty, migration, and widening inequalities, the social sciences play a vital role in shaping
adaptive, integrated, and rights-based policy responses. ISCSS 2026 provides a platform to discuss how knowledge, ethics, and innovation can inform reform,
enhance social protection delivery, and build the capacities of interdisciplinary professionals to offer inclusive, high-quality services—aligned with EU Social Policy Goals,
the European Pillar of Social Rights, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Programme Highlights
The International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences (ISCSS) will present a diverse and intellectually engaging programme,
combining academic excellence with dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange. The conference will feature:
- Keynote Addresses delivered by distinguished international and regional scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Abstract Presentations showcasing cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and cross-disciplinary studies.
- Workshops and Panel Discussions fostering critical dialogue, methodological reflection, and professional exchange.
- Special Thematic Sessions focused on youth empowerment, the implementation of the European Child Guarantee, and human capital development.
- Cultural and Networking Events celebrating diversity, solidarity, and shared values.
Whether you are presenting a paper, facilitating a discussion, or participating as a delegate, your contribution will help advance the global dialogue on the role
of social sciences in building equitable and sustainable futures, with a special focus on children and young people.
Conference Sub-Themes
The International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences (ISCSS) explores the transformation and resilience of social protection and human service systems,
advancing dialogue on human capital development through an interdisciplinary lens. The thematic sessions are organized into three interrelated domains
that reflect the conference’s overarching purpose—strengthening equity, inclusion, and resilience in times of social, economic, and environmental change.
DOMAIN I – Investing in Children, Young People, and an Enabling Social Environment
Empowering individuals, families, and youth as drivers of human development and social cohesion.
Sub-theme 1: Investing in Children and Youth for Human Development and Social Equity
- Advancing children’s rights in an uncertain and digital world
- Evidence-based alternative care models, preventing institutionalization, and strengthening family-based care
- Implementing the European Child and Youth Guarantees across Albania, the Western Balkans, and the EU
- Inclusive education, employability, and skills development for young women and men
- Public investment and integrated policies to reduce child poverty and strengthen family support
- Childcare and care economy as a driver of gender equality and child wellbeing
- Parenting in a digital world: balancing technology use and offline life
- Integrated child protection and wellbeing systems with family and community support
- Risk, evidence, and uncertainty shaping professional child protection practice
Sub-theme 2: Advancing Integrated, Holistic Models of Human Well-being
- Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) across the life course
- Disability inclusion through person-centred, cross-sectoral services
- Health equity and integrated social protection for vulnerable populations
- Community and cultural approaches to resilience and social recovery
- Strengthening workforce capacity to promote child and youth wellbeing
- Evidence-based models for children and youth mental health promotion
- Interdisciplinary approaches for young people in contact with the law
DOMAIN II – Transforming Systems and Policies
Advancing reform, innovation, and professional ethics to ensure inclusive, adaptive, and accountable systems.
Sub-theme 3: Social Policy Reform and Inclusive Development
- Reimagining welfare systems for equity, resilience, and crisis response
- Embedding social inclusion across policy and financing frameworks
- Decentralized governance and integrated community-based services
- Fiscal space expansion and fiscal decentralization in social care
- Poverty reduction and inclusive access to social protection
- Accountable, ethical, and professional institutions
Sub-theme 4: Education, Research, and Knowledge for Transformation
- Transforming higher and professional education for global relevance
- Interdisciplinary and participatory research for inclusive policy
- Knowledge co-creation between academia, government, and civil society
- Open data and evidence for child- and youth-centred innovation
- Ethics, creativity, and research integrity in social sciences
- Lifelong learning, mentoring, and digital literacy
Sub-theme 5: Social Protection, Equity, and Sustainable Development
- Social justice and inclusion in advancing the 2030 Agenda
- Linking social protection, human rights, and resilience
- Climate-responsive social protection and environmental justice
- Poverty eradication and gender-transformative approaches
- Social innovation and financing models in Europe and the Western Balkans
- Shock-responsive systems protecting children and youth in crises
DOMAIN III – Adapting to Global Change
Responding to global transformations through inclusive governance, digital innovation, and participatory citizenship.
Sub-theme 6: Migration, Displacement, and Global Change
- Migration governance and social inclusion in Europe and the Western Balkans
- Integration and reintegration through education and social protection
- Child and family protection in migration and displacement contexts
- Human trafficking, exploitation, and labour mobility
- Policy responses to demographic and population change
- Gender-based vulnerabilities and child safeguarding on the move
Sub-theme 7: Democracy, Citizenship, and Collective Action
- Civic participation and inclusive policymaking
- Youth activism and intergenerational collaboration
- Democratic resilience, transparency, and public trust
- Cross-cultural dialogue and peacebuilding
- Media, digital narratives, and critical literacy
- Co-creating inclusive civic and decision-making spaces
Sub-theme 8: Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Ethics in Social Development
- Digital inclusion across education and social protection systems
- Ethical AI and responsible data governance
- Technology-enabled education, care, and communication
- Data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical digital frameworks
- Preparing the workforce for data-informed practice
- Digital tools for evidence, monitoring, and collaboration
- Digital citizenship and online participation
- The philosophical approach of the twentieth century to conceptualizing technological achievements in relation to time and space
