The Network of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration of Central and Eastern Europe (NISPAcee) and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” invite you to participate in the 34th Annual NISPAcee Conference.
Dates: 28-30 May 2026.
Place: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Sofia, the Republic of Bulgaria).
The main theme of the Conference is “Governing Uncertainty: Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Public Administration”.
The content and key aspects of the declared topic.
Conference will provide a forum for an open exchange of theoretical ideas, food for thought for the future, existing best practices etc. A special attention will be given to the NISPAcee region but the conference will aim at the same time to make linkages with experiences globally with a special emphasis on strengthening democracy through responsible Public Administration.
Call for papers for the Main Conference Theme:
The challenges facing responsible public governance in Europe in the last two or three years seem insurmountable with traditional approaches. The post-WWII order appears to be in disarray, one way or another. Many societal risks – political interference in administration, the rise of populism, declining trust in representative democracy, technological upheavals, the challenges of artificial intelligence and big data, environmental degradation, intensifying climate change, accelerating digitalisation, the spiral of growing public debt, and the emergence of new stakeholders in public life – have taken on new forms.
The lack of international and domestic predictability reduces individual, collective, and governmental opportunities to plan within the framework of what is known. Rapid, unexpected rule changes increase the probability of unintended consequences stemming from government policies and (at times inadvertently) incentivise irresponsible behaviour across the board. Rapidly diminishing levels of public control over social developments necessitate urgent efforts to find effective ways of coping with growing uncertainty.
There is a need to counter-argue and counter-act all the above risks. Strengthening democratic governance today is critical for addressing unprecedented risks of tomorrow. An update of democratic governance is crucial if humanity is to retain a reasonable dose of control over the spheres of democracy slipping from its hands. The scientific-methodological problem appears to be a complex knot of administrative, political and economic issues that require a post-Wilsonian approach that amalgamates those aspects rather than separating them.
Key Themes for Thought and Discussion.
- This conference invites submissions that explore, analyse, and propose solutions to pressing issues such as:
- How geopolitical shifts create new challenges for public administration;
- The intersection of climate change, digital transformation, and state power;
- The declining trust in traditional democratic governance models;
- The rapid pace of technological innovation and its governance implications;
- The emergence of new stakeholders altering governance landscapes;
- Strategies to counteract misinformation and influence campaigns;
- Approaches to green and sustainable governance;
- Methods to combat corruption and reinforce the rule of law;
- Developing new models of administrative power and resilience;
- Theoretical and practical frameworks for the governance of uncertainty;
- International responsibility in safeguarding democratic integrity against disruptive influences and many more.
You can register for the conference
In accordance with the signed Agreement on the membership of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in the Network of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration of Central and Eastern Europe (NISPAcee), conference participants from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv can participate in the annual NISPAcee conferences and other events at a reduced rate, for more details.
Terms and conditions of participation.
The fee for online participation is the same as for physical participation. Online participation allows you to present a report in the corresponding session of the conference program. The fee includes access to the session in which the report is included and to the electronic materials of the conference. Learn more.
The conference offers many benefits for researchers at all stages of their careers:
- A pre-conference seminar for PhD students helps early-stage researchers navigate their work.
- An international platform for participants and speakers offers networking opportunities in the research field.
- Distinguished speakers will provide valuable feedback and encourage thought-provoking discussions.
- The NISPAcee conference is known for its engaging social events and the opportunity to foster strong academic and personal connections.
Learn more about the conference, including keynote speakers, program, important dates, and deadlines.
