University Assembly: A humanitarian framework for responding to armed conflict

Event date: Wednesday 21 October, 10am - 4pm

Location: To be announced, in-person only

Admission: Free admission, University of York staff and students only. Admission through expressions of interest.

What is a University Assembly?

Universities thrive when they are spaces for listening, debate and collective learning, especially when tackling the world’s most challenging crises.

University Assemblies are designed to be safe, reflective spaces where students and staff can come together to explore difficult global issues.

A mixture of panels, discussions and breakout sessions will draw on knowledge and expertise from within our research, teaching and learning community, as well as from invited guests.

They help us consider how we maintain a culture of open research, respectful and equitable partnerships in an era of political sensitivity and polarisation at home and aboard, as well as supporting researchers working in challenging areas.

October 2026 Assembly: A humanitarian framework for responding to armed conflict

This Assembly focuses on the difficult issues related to current armed conflicts, including civilian harm, humanitarian need, gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law - and the role of universities in responding to these.

We seek to improve our community’s understanding of what it means to work (research, teach, study) in conflict settings, or on issues related to war and peace, including defence.

Aspects we plan to consider include legal constraints, physical and psychological risks, ethical dilemmas and trade-offs, mitigation strategies and red lines, universal values and contextual assessments.

Shaping our future

The insights and reflections generated during this Assembly won't just stay in the room. This process is intentionally timed so that your reflections and discussions will directly feed into the development of the University’s new Humanitarian Framework for Responding to Armed Conflict.

By participating, you are actively helping to shape the institution's future approach and responsibilities.

Who can attend?

Following the citizens’ assembly model, we aim to include a broad spectrum of perspectives.

We will select a group of around 50 participants, who differ in terms of student year and mode of study, and staff contract type, department and career stage. Experiences of living or working in conflict and of differently-situated groups (EDI) will also be a central selection criteria.

In September, we will be sharing an Expression of Interest form.

Selected participants will then be notified in advance of the event. Please make a note of the date of the Assembly in the meantime to ensure you keep it available: Wednesday 21 October.

A commitment to safety and inclusion

We acknowledge that members of our community carry personal and lived experience of conflict. We are fully committed to ensuring this is an inclusive and supportive space for everyone involved. Your voice, safety and perspective is central to our approach to University Assemblies.

Venue details: Wheelchair accessible