In a major milestone for global legal education and interdisciplinary research, the Parul Institute of Law at Parul University successfully hosted the 3rd International Conference on Global Criminology and Victimology (ICGCV 2026). Organized in strategic collaboration with the ThinkJustice Foundation, India, and the Critical Criminology Network of the British Society of Criminology, UK, this premier event united leading academicians, policymakers, legal experts, and law enforcement professionals from around the world.
Serving as a dynamic international platform, the conference tackled today’s most pressing challenges in criminology, victimology, and environmental fairness, fostering cross-border alliances to build safer, more inclusive, and sustainable societies.
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Aligning Criminal Justice with the UN SDGs
Driven by the theme "Building Safer Futures: Solution-Oriented Approaches in Criminology and Victimology towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals", ICGCV 2026 addressed the urgent need to bridge environmental sustainability with robust victim protection and public policy.
The summit encouraged evidence-based dialogues designed to navigate modern legal pressures while directly supporting the broader vision of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing heavily on global peace, equitable justice, strong institutions, and environmental responsibility.
Key Themes Explored at ICGCV 2026
Through a comprehensive academic program featuring keynote addresses, pre-conference workshops, and technical paper presentations, experts dissected a wide array of contemporary issues. Key focus areas included:
Distinguished Global Experts and Speakers
ICGCV 2026 served as a melting pot of academic and professional insight, featuring a highly distinguished panel of national and international thought leaders. Prominent dignitaries included Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and social activist Mr. Bezwada Wilson, Senior IPS Officer Mr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Dr. Bhanu Prakash Nunna (Managing Director, ThinkJustice Foundation), and Dr. Vineet Kapoor (IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Madhya Pradesh).
The summit also welcomed renowned global experts, including:
- Prof. Nigel South (Emeritus Professor, University of Essex, UK)
- Prof. Dr. Gema Maria Varona Martinez (President, World Society of Victimology)
- Prof. Gorazd Meško (Head of the Institute of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, Slovenia)
- Prof. Avi Brisman (Honorary Professor, University of Newcastle, Australia)
With elite participation spanning nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, the conference significantly amplified criminology research capabilities and cross-border knowledge exchange.
Bridging Academic Research with Real-World Implementation
Beyond scholarly debate, ICGCV 2026 offered students, researchers, and legal professionals direct networking opportunities with world-renowned experts. A major highlight was Parul University’s ongoing community safety research initiative in partnership with the Vadodara Police Commissionerate.
Guided by Prof. Gorazd Meško, this localized initiative focuses on community policing, public trust, and technology-oriented crime prevention. It perfectly mirrors the university’s dedication to translating academic theory into workable, evidence-backed public policies that create resilient communities.
Empowering the Next Generation of Legal Professionals
Highlighting the institution's core vision, Dr. Geetika Madan Patel, Vice President of Parul University, noted:
"At Parul University, we believe that dealing with current challenges requires interdisciplinary thinking, working alongside the wider world, and doing research that creates meaningful social impact... Such platforms not only enhance academic excellence, but they also inspire innovative solutions that help in building safer, more inclusive and environment-friendly societies."
With the resounding success of ICGCV 2026, Parul University has cemented its reputation as a globally connected powerhouse for excellence in legal education. By uniting the brightest minds across continents to deliberate on the future of sustainable justice, the university continues to prepare the next generation of legal professionals to tackle complex global challenges with insight, innovation, and empathy.
