Following the incredible success of last year\u2019s program, the Global Futures Challenge: After War returns in 2026 with more than double the student participation and an even stronger focus on real world case studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The challenge invites Curtin University students from across disciplines to tackle one of the world\u2019s most pressing questions: what happens after conflict, and how do communities rebuild?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bringing together students from Engineering, Architecture, International Relations, Project Management, Urban Design and more, the intensive program asks participants to think beyond infrastructure and consider the social, cultural, political and emotional realities of rebuilding futures after war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Led by Professor Farida Fozdar, Dean of Global Futures, last year\u2019s challenge saw students develop thoughtful and innovative responses to post conflict scenarios. Teams proposed affordable housing systems, portable educational technology, water purification solutions, political reform initiatives, community healing spaces and approaches to strengthening ethical journalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many students, the experience shifted the way they saw both the world and their future careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a powerful eye opener for both myself and my team,\u201d shared one participant. \u201cWe had to think not just about physical structures, but about the emotional, political and cultural structures that must be rebuilt too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another student reflected on the impact of the program saying, \u201cI hadn\u2019t been exposed to many of the ideas in the unit before and it really changed the way I think. I can see how I can use these ideas and the experience of working with others to build solutions in my future career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Supported by academics and practitioners with experience working alongside the UN, private resource companies and peacekeeping organisations, students were challenged to think critically, collaborate across disciplines and develop responses grounded in both empathy and practicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Farida Fozdar said the challenge gives students the opportunity to respond to global issues in meaningful and hopeful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYoung people can feel overwhelmed by what\u2019s happening in the world. This challenge gives students the opportunity to think about feasible solutions and imagine what rebuilding society can look like through community, sustainability, healing and inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With participation numbers more than doubling this year, the 2026 Global Futures Challenge: After War continues to grow as a space for students to think deeply, work collaboratively and contribute ideas that could shape a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n