Padova Model UPR, 9° edition, 16-20 November 2026
The Padova Model UPR is an annual academic simulation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council through which the human rights situation of each Member State is reviewed by its peers every four and a half years. The simulation recreates the original procedure within a supportive academic environment and is held entirely in English.
The Padova Model UPR offers students from around the world a unique opportunity to learn about human rights, democracy and diplomacy in an interactive and engaging manner. It is the original and most comprehensive academic simulation of the UPR. Students will be assigned different roles: representatives of States under Review, members of the Troika, Reviewing States, or delegates of Non-Governmental Organisations. During the simulation, they assess and analyse each State's human rights situation, take part in interactive debates, and adopt the final lists of accepted and noted recommendations. Professors from the University of Padova and the Human Rights Centre "Antonio Papisca", together with the student-led UPR Secretariat, provide all the necessary guidance and deliver the training programme throughout the event.
Padova Model UPR is supported by the Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies (SPGI), the Archive "Peace Human Rights" of the University of Padova, and coordinated by the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca” and the MA Degree Programme in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance (HRG). The UN officers from the OHCHR UPR branch and UPR Info serve as experts and trainers.
The ninth annual event will take place on-site from 16 to 20 November 2026, and there are no participation fees.
In addition to the on-site simulation, selected students are required to attend online training sessions held between 19 and 30 October 2026.
You can learn more about the operational guidance for the implementation of the Padova Model, by downloading our MODEL UPR HANDBOOK.
Who can participate?
- Students aged 18 or over, enrolled at European or non-European universities.
- Senior Bachelor’s students (with at least two years of study completed), Master’s students, and PhD students, preferably in the fields of Political Science, Human Rights, International Relations, Social Sciences, or Legal Studies.
Application format
- We only accept applications in teams (4 members for State delegations, 2 for INGO and NHRI delegations)
- Each applicant indicates the preferred State, INGO, or NHRI at the time of application.
How to apply
The application is open from 15 June 2026.
Deadline for the application:
- For Non-EU citizens (students enrolled in Non-EU Universities): 4 September 2026
- For EU citizens (or enrolled in EU Universities): 2 October 2026
Modalities of participation
As a team representing States
6 teams will represent States, with each team composed of 4 members acting as State delegates.
States represented in the Padova Model UPR 2026 will be announced soon.
As a team representing NGOs or NHRIs
- 4 teams will represent International NGOs, with each team composed of 2 members acting as NGO representatives.
NGOs represented in the Padova Model UPR 2026 will be announced soon. - 4 teams will represent National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), with each team composed of 2 members acting as NHRI representatives.
NHRIs represented in the Padova Model UPR 2026 will be announced soon.
Outline of the main phases
1) Preparatory phase: September-November 2026
11.09 Announcement of the non-EU selected teams
08.10 Announcement of the EU selected teams
10.10 Deadline for confirmation of participation
12.10 The final announcement of the selected teams
Online training sessions:
Between 19 and 30 October 2026
2) Simulation phase: 16-20 November 2026 (in person, Padova)
Detailed schedule will be announced soon.
You can stay up-to-date on the 2026 simulation by following us on social media (Instagram: @modelupr.pd).
Contact: model.upr@unipd-centrodirittiumani.it