In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges - violent conflicts, climate change, pandemics, social inequalities, generalised poverty and political instability - the concept of sustainable development is more critical than ever. The ongoing crises have not only exposed the vulnerabilities of human systems but have also underscored the need for innovative, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability that encompass scientific, humanistic, and ethical perspectives.
While experts and science have the potential to drive sustainable development, their roles in Africa's underdevelopment have been shaped by historical and systemic factors that need to be addressed to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the continent. How do the humanities and science engage with such structural injustices? The deliberate or inadvertent dismissal of the deep historical roots of crises in the global south, essentialises reality, manufacturing ignorance.
In order to engineer a more just and equitable world order, experts in the humanities and science need to rethink, problematise, decolonise and embed their ontologies and epistemologies in the here-and-now realities of the targets of development.
Submission may cover a range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Historical perspectives on sustainability and crisis response.
- Environmental humanities, history and crisis management.
- Ethical implications of sustainable practices.
- Cultural narratives and their impact on sustainability.
- The role of art, literature, and philosophy in promoting sustainable values.
- Social justice, equity, and inclusion in sustainable development.
- Community resilience and the role of local knowledge.
- Collaborative frameworks between science, humanities, and policy.
We encourage multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods, including ethnic studies, intersectionality, colonialism and postcolonial studies, environmental history, subaltern studies, decoloniality, digital humanities, archival studies, museum studies and law, etc.
Submission Guidelines
Please, submit an abstract of no more than 300 words to the below email by 10 January 2025. Accepted papers will be notified by 25 January 2025.