CALL FOR PAPERS

Held in-person at the University of Denver - Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

Sustainable development in Africa requires cross-cutting initiatives and interdisciplinary partnerships. There are significant transformations taking place in Africa which point to the fact that it is emerging as a global force and vital player in international affairs. No other continent comprises more than 3,000 ethnic groups, spans six climate zones, is home to nearly 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, and has combated at least six different colonial legacies. Many countries in Africa continue to face challenges due to conflict, exploitation, and patrimonial rule. The world is watching how women’s movements drive collective action, technology stimulates innovation, and the youth bulge delivers a massive labor force. Because the continent will soon be a significant global force, the international community must understand Africa’s complexities.

The Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver is happy to invite paper submissions to be reviewed by scholars on African economics, politics, human rights, and more. In response to the complex landscape of African development, we will center our discussions on the broad theme of the Trajectory of Africa in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. Within the framework of this theme, we invite papers that explore sub-themes such as Good Governance and the Influence of China in African Development, Barriers to and Opportunities for Regional Integration, Public Health Access and Disparity, and more. Selected papers will present a holistic understanding of the challenges, successes, and best practices necessary for sustainable development on the African continent. The authors of the top three submissions will earn prizes of $150, $100, and $75, respectively. The authors of the top six submissions will also be invited to participate as panelists in the discussion session that most closely aligns with their paper topic.

While the University of Denver will host the conference, the call is open to all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels of any university in Colorado.

Guidelines for Submission

  • Submissions must be between 1500-3000 words.
  • Submissions will only be accepted electronically (either PDF or MS Word).
  • Prize winners will be expected to give a short presentation illustrating the argument of their paper. They will also be expected to participate as a panelist in one-panel discussions during the conference.
  • Relevant papers written as classwork will be accepted.

Important Dates