International Symposium - Interregional Cooperation as a Driver of Political and Socio-Economic Development: Shaping the Future of Global Cooperation

Building on the vibrant energy of the IPSA World Congress in Seoul (2025), we are thrilled to announce a pioneering international symposium in the beautiful, dynamic city of Acapulco. Jointly organized by IPSA Research Committees RC37 (Rethinking Political Development) and RC40 (New World Orders?), this event is designed to be more than an academic meeting, it is a launchpad for actionable ideas and transformative partnerships.

In an era of complex global challenges, we believe that interregional cooperation is the key to unlocking a better future. We invite you to join a diverse community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to collectively explore how collaborative action across borders can drive profound political and socioeconomic development.

This symposium aims to produce tangible and lasting outcomes. Our ambitions extend beyond the event itself to include the creation of a living network of scholars, a set of co-created policy briefs from the Innovation Lab, and a forward-looking "Acapulco Connections" manifesto. Furthermore, with the goal of ensuring a lasting academic impact, we are pleased to announce plans for the publication of one or more peer-reviewed edited books or a special journal issue featuring the highest-quality papers presented at the symposium.

Your ideas have the power to shape the agenda. Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Propose a Thematic Panel (Open or Closed)
Be a thought leader! Propose and chair a panel on a critical issue. Submit a compelling 150–300-word description outlining the panel's overall focus and relevance. Closed Panels must include the titles and abstracts (150 to 300 words each) for 3 to 5 papers that demonstrate à coherent thematic connection. 
2. Present an Individual Paper
Share your groundbreaking research. Submit your paper title and a 150–300-word abstract. Accepted papers will be grouped into cohesive, stimulating panels.
3. General Participation.
Be part of the conversation in person! Network directly with global leaders, exchange ideas in dynamic informal settings, and celebrate new connections at our signature closing event.

New Frontiers and Key Themes
We encourage submissions that not only analyze but also reimagine the frameworks of cooperation. Contributions are welcome across, but not limited to, the following frontiers:

• Economy and Industry 4.0: Beyond value chains—exploring models for inclusive growth, South-South industrial partnerships, and the future of work in a connected world;
• Technology and Equity: Governing AI, bridging the digital divide, ethical data sharing, and building innovative ecosystems that leave no one behind;
• Green Transition and Climate Resilience: From policy to practice—financing green infrastructure, community-led adaptation, and building socioeconomic systems that thrive within planetary boundaries;
• The Future of Connectivity: Smart infrastructure, sustainable transport corridors, and digital networks as backbones for regional integration;
• Knowledge Diplomacy: The role of education, scientific collaboration, and academic mobility as powerful, soft-power tools for building trust and shared futures;
• Crisis-Proofing Our World: Cooperation for pandemic preparedness, food security, and managing geopolitical shocks;
• The Social Fabric of Cooperation: The critical role of civil society, cultural exchanges, and youth leadership in sustaining partnerships.

Registration
Two easy steps to secure your place at this groundbreaking event. 

1.    Please make your payment through this PayPal link: https://paypal.me/ipsaacapulco2026
2.    Send your payment receipt to this email address, indicating your name, country and status non-member or member (professional or student) :  Ipsa.acapulco2026@gmail.com

These are the Registration Fees

• Non-IPSA members: 150 USD
• IPSA Members North America, China, Russia, and EU countries)
  • Professionals/Professors: 120 USD
  • Students: 60 USD
• IPSA Members (Latin America, Asia except China, Oceanic and African countries)
  • Professionals/Professors: 100 USD
  • Students: 50 USD
  • Members of IPSA RC37/RC40:
  • Professionals/Professors: 80 USD
  • Students: 40 USD
  • Mexican students, Symposium Coordination Team, Free registration.

Submission deadline: 20 January 2026

Help us spread the word! Please circulate this call within your networks and encourage your colleagues to be part of this unique experience. 

We eagerly anticipate welcoming you to Acapulco for an inspiring, collaborative, and unforgettable intellectual journey. 

The Organizing Committee
IPSA RC37 and RC40