DAAD ALUMNI cONFERENCE 2023
Our Idea
How do we rethink ethics and collective responsibility for a sustainable future in Nigeria and Africa? This topic is more relevant now that multiple crises comprising the COVID-19 pandemic, impacts of climate change, global injustices and inequalities, regional violence and global hyperinflation, which have constrained progress and exposed contradictions in the way we tackle societal issues. While promoting interdependence, globalisation has also raised profound ethical and moral questions concerning cultural disintegration, corruption, and consumerism, impacting the self and the collective. The 2023 edition of the DAAD Alumni Conference tackles the question of collective responsibility with a view to bringing “all together to ensure a sustainable future”.
What responsibility do we have to ourselves and our communities? How can we re-imagine a social system which considers the intersection of concerns and questions regarding gender inclusivity, inter-generational dialogues, generational shifts and inclusivity, and class inclusivity? How do we rethink the ethical ramifications of the current technological transformations and their impact on societies? How do we approach issues of energy transition and sustainable development in Nigeria/ Africa in the face of prevailing global policies – bearing in mind the prevailing scenario that the current global north’s interests are to the global south’s detriment?
To this end, we see it as our obligation to continue the dialogue we initiated at the 2020 and 2021 DAAD Alumni Conference held in Ibadan, Nigeria, under the themes of “Insecurities and Social Cohesion in Nigeria: Living In/Through a Risk Society” and “Falling Apart? Inclusion as an Intervention into the Nigerian Experience” respectively. We understand that research can generate innovative solutions as well as ethical risks, which is why we consider rigorous ethical research conduct essential to ensuring public trust in research endeavours. The conference will therefore provide another opportunity to re-evaluate the role of the DAAD alumni network in our locality as a network of collaborators and interventionists. Against this backdrop, the conference is not just a ‘talk shop’ gathering but an opportunity for social engagement towards solution and development-driven action. In this regard, the Knowledge Hub project has been created as a pre-conference activity, encapsulating our vision of intervening in social problems through knowledge applications.
What to expect: The conference will bring together scholars, members of diplomatic missions, policymakers, NGOs, private sector representatives, professionals, media personalities and the general public interested in ethical issues in Nigeria and Africa. The conference is intended to offer a friendly, constructive environment and foster a serious dialogue among participants. Over three days, invited speakers and participants will engage in a series of presentations and workshops, discussing and sharing reflections on the issues of ethics, responsibilities and the future(s) of Nigeria and Africa. Participants will have the opportunity to share their activities and idea with a broad and diverse audience.
Theme: We encourage all scholars, environmental activists, service providers, journalists, tech experts, civil societies and NGOs, government officials, and others working in relevant fields and interested in speaking to these questions to participate in this conference. We envision this conference will support new solutions to our daily challenges by becoming an important opportunity for a dialogue between stakeholders and people from different parts of society. Suggested topics include but are not limited to the following:
- Governance
- Religion
- Environment
- Gender
- Media
- Technology
- Academic practices, research
- Humanitarian aid: NGOs &Human Rights, Activism
- Philosophy
- Health
- Arts &Culture
Anticipate Knowledge Hub 2023
