About the Conference

Climate change, a global crisis, has heightened vulnerabilities worldwide. Over recent decades, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has observed a marked increase in extreme weather events and loss of biodiversity globally. This has amplified vulnerabilities in already fragile states, heightening the potential for violent conflicts and leading to human displacement and migration on an unparalleled scale. These global shifts highlight the heightened vulnerabilities of numerous regions, impacting countries like Pakistan profoundly.

Beyond the devastating 2022 floods affecting over 10 million people, Pakistan has grappled with various intense weather events. The climate-related disasters have heightened the country’s vulnerability to conflicts. As gender disparities and inequalities are exacerbated due to climate change, they contribute to societal tensions and conflicts. Within this, community building emerges as a crucial factor for fostering resilience and driving peace efforts. Engaged and empowered communities navigate adversities effectively and play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts and facilitating sustainable peace-building processes.

The 'Aamozish e Tehqeeq — Navigating Climate, Gender, and Peace' conference seeks to explore how climate change, gender, and peace-building intersect. It focuses on understanding how climate change affects vulnerable groups, especially women and marginalized genders. The conference also aims to highlight how building community resilience is connected to efforts for peace, especially concerning climate change and gender with a focus on strengthening the capacity of young researchers in the field.

The conference aims to bring together a diverse spectrum of participants, ranging from young scholars to climate activists, artists, educators, and technology innovators. Its primary objective is to facilitate multidisciplinary dialogue, harnessing diverse perspectives and innovative strategies to cultivate resilient communities amidst the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. Central to this conference is the recognition of the gendered dimensions of climate change impacts, emphasizing the pivotal roles of women in climate action, resilience-building, and peace efforts.

Structured across two days, the event will feature panel discussions, interactive talks, participatory sessions, skill-building workshops, artistic expressions, and a poster exhibition. As a culminating effort, the conference will compile a special edition publication of Tezhib, Habib University’s Undergraduate Research Journal, showcasing the research shared during the event. This publication aims to commemorate the invaluable contributions made by both students and experts.

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Date & Time:

Day 1: 8th March, 2024 (Friday) | 2.00 PM - 6.00 PM
Day 2: 9th March, 2024 (Saturday) | 09.00 AM - 6.00 PM

Conference Theme

The Aamozish e Tehqeeq (Translation: Learning & Research) conference focuses on five key themes, inviting diverse contributions that explore critical areas around climate, gender, and peace. Student researchers, artists, activists, and practitioners are encouraged to submit work aligning with these themes to fuel discussions shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Themes and sub-themes include:

Intersectionality of Climate Change, Gender, and Peacebuilding:

Gender-sensitive peacebuilding strategies
Impact of climate change on gender disparities
Role of local knowledge in addressing climate issues within peace contexts

Community Building and Resilience:

Empowerment of women and marginalized genders in climate action
Social networks' role in resilience-building
Integration of climate and gender concerns into local policies

Innovative Strategies for Climate Action and Gender Equity

Gender-responsive policies and programs
Technology's role in promoting gender equality and climate justice
Community-based approaches to climate change

Arts and Expressive Arts in Climate and Gender Advocacy:

Influence of visual arts, theater, music, and digital media in advocacy
Power of artistic expression in promoting climate change and gender equity

Research and Education in Climate, Gender, and Peace:

Interdisciplinary research approaches
Integration into academic curricula
Utilizing arts in climate and gender education

Conference Timelines

Conference Agenda Day 01

Click on icon on any calendar block to know more details about a session.

Locations: E-012 – Lower Ground Floor, Playground – Second Floor, H-509 – Fourth Floor.

Conference Agenda Day 02

Click on icon on any calendar block to know more details about a session.

Locations: MPR* (Multipurpose Hall – Ground Floor), Tariq Rafi Auditorium – First Floor, H-501-5 – Fourth Floor, Soorty Hall – First Floor, Playground – Second Floor, E-012 – Lower Ground Floor.

Registration Form

Conference Chair

Shama Dossa, an Associate Professor at Habib University, brings over fifteen years of extensive community development experience across the Asia-Pacific Region. Holding a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto / OISE, her expertise in empowerment theory, adult learning, and participatory methodologies uniquely position her to lead the conference. With research interests spanning program planning, arts-informed research, transnational feminism, and gender-based violence, Shama's commitment to social justice initiatives aligns seamlessly with the conference's focus on innovative and inclusive discussions. Beyond academia, she actively collaborates with regional non-profits, demonstrating a dedication that mirrors the ethos of the conference.

Shama Dossa

Conference Chair:

Shama Dossa

Conference Committee

Coline Ferrant

Coline Ferrant

Assistant Professor, Social Development & Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Farhan Anwar

Farhan Anwar

Assistant Professor of Practice, Social Development and Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Humaira Jamshed

Humaira Jamshed

Assistant Professor, Integrated Sciences and Mathematics, Dhanani School of Science and Engineering, Habib University

Maleeha Habib

Maleeha Habib

Director, Playground.
Assistant Professor of Practice, Social Development & Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University.

Tajreen Midhat

Tajreen Midhat

Lecturer, Social Development and Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Uswa Ali Memon

Uswa Ali Memon

Dean’s Fellow, Social Development & Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Raheel Tajuddin Lakhani

Raheel Tajuddin Lakhani

Assistant Director, Faculty Development and Research, Habib University

Hajira Khurram

Hajira Khurram

Assistant Manager, Office of Research, Habib University

Ali Haider

Ali Haider

Research and Program Development Specialist, Office of Research, Habib University

Maheen Ahmed Chandna

Maheen Ahmed Chandna

Academic Advisor, Habib University

Taj Uddin

Taj Uddin

Program Coordinator, Social Development & Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Hiba Sohail

Hiba Sohail

Teaching Assistant, Social Development & Policy, School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Habib University

Saniyah Salman

Saniyah Salman

Editor in Chief, Tezhib

Arooma Naqvi

Arooma Naqvi

Conference Coordinator, Office of Research - SDP

Contact Information

Prospective applicants seeking further details or with inquiries regarding the conference may reach out to the conference coordinator, Arooma Naqvi, at arooma.naqvi@habib.edu.pk. Please include the subject line "Conference Inquiry" for prompt assistance. For submission guidelines, registration details, refer to the section titled "Guidelines for Registration". We welcome your questions and look forward to your active participation in shaping the dialogue at 'Aamozish e Tehqeeq — Navigating Climate, Gender, and Peace.