​The 72nd International Student Conference - ISC72

THE PROGRAM'S CORE

International Student Conference (ISC) is an organization established in 1954, where international exchanges and discussions take place. Students from around the world are invited to Japan each year for two weeks, where they discuss solutions to world issues. On the last day, participants will discuss their final solutions during the Final Forum.​

1. All conducted by students

Being a student-led initiative, ISC brings out the skills and expertise of each student and hones them towards excellence through activities that not only help them in the academic area, but also in their future professional fields. ​

2. Participants from all around the world

ISC places its importance with diversity. Every year, ISC receives applications from students with a variety of different backgrounds and experiences. With such a diverse group of participants, participants can learn from each other by directly exchanging various opinions and perspectives. ​

3. Spending the whole week together

During the program, all participants spend the time together in the same facilities. Through experiencing communal living and other activities such as sightseeing and cultural exchanges, participants can have deep interactions with each other. By the end of the program, all students can create strong bonds with each other, which can last a lifetime. 

ISC72 Annual ThemeRoots of Peace: Embracing Our Shared Future

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.

Program Contents

1. Research & Discussion 

Research and discussions are the biggest feature of the International Student Conference.

During the advanced study sessions, all Japanese resident participants are divided into 6 tables and all work together towards deepening their understanding of each of the assigned topics. The advanced research is conducted in English, so it is highly recommended that the participants work to strengthen their English abilities.

At the main conference, international resident students and domestic resident students come together to have discussions and conduct research. Each table consists of about 10 participants. All of the participants who gather at the conference have differing perspectives and backgrounds, resulting in intense and meaningful discussions. At the Final Forum, students will present their discussion results to the public and submit the outcome in the form of proposals to the government or other organizations. 

2. Study Tour

The Advanced Study Tour is held in one of four destinations: Osaka, Kobe, Kyushu, and Okayama.

Participants are able to experience cultural exchange by visiting other areas around Japan, interacting with local students, and getting to know other participants before the academic discussions begin.

In addition, during the Main Conference, the participants will have a one-day Main Study Tour where they will visit other areas in Japan such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Shiga, and Nara. 

3. Cultural Exchange

During the Main Conference, ISC also offers cultural exchange programs. In ISC65, participants brought souvenirs from their current place of residence to share aspects of their daily life. Other participants volunteered to do presentations to introduce parts of their culture and customs. There was also an event for participants to experience traditional Soran-bushi dance and another event where participants tried calligraphy. 

4. Welcome Party & Farewell Party

There will be a Welcome Party held on the first night for all participants to eat together and spend time with each other. There will also be a Farewell Party on the last day of the conference, to celebrate the many friendships and achievements accomplished during the conference. 

5. Final Forum

The Final Forum is an occasion for students to showcase their research and discussion results and proposals to the public.

​Experts from various fields will be invited to the Final Forum to give a special lecture, in which students will be able to directly exchange their opinions.

The Final Forum is open to the public. More details about the Final Forum will be posted in detail on a later date. 

6. Student Interaction

Students from all over the world with many different backgrounds and experiences will gather at the International Student Conference. This is a rare opportunity which enables participants to create everlasting friendships from around the world. Through experiencing the joys and challenges together during ISC, these friendships and connections will surely last a lifetime.