Imagining Futures is a four-day conference taking place from August 1–4 at Habib University, Karachi. The inaugural conference seeks to explore localized and action-oriented solutions to systemic social equity issues in South Asia.
The future is defined as the next 1-3 years so that the discourse is anchored and actionable as opposed to being overly aspirational and theoretical. The goal of the conference is to deconstruct the issues, better understand the nuances, explore possible solutions, and make a plan of action. Hence, there is a lot of emphasis on localized and action-oriented approaches.
The conference will bring together the relevant stakeholders which enables constructive dialogue and paves a path for taking action. A key goal will be to make these connections across the sectors so that subsequent work becomes easier to execute. The focus may be on any level of the system: local, city, district, region, national, or international. The goal is to promote action research and evidence-based policymaking, and small pilots have a lot of potential in creating larger impact. Therefore, the conference will also serve as a starting point to discuss these issues and to develop a research agenda for the next year.
South Asia is home to over a quarter of the world’s population and faces persistent challenges related to gender inequality, social exclusion, and economic vulnerability (Asian Development Bank, 2023). Similarly, Pakistan grapples with a range of developmental challenges, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line (World Bank, 2024). Weak governance structures and political instability further impact macroeconomic stability. Additionally, Pakistan is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions globally (UN Habitat, 2023), despite contributing minimally to carbon emissions.
Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to knowledge production and innovative problem-solving. As a leading institution of higher education, Habib University plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant research culture that encourages collaboration between students and faculty. Undergraduate students actively engage in scholarly activities, developing essential skills for lifelong learning, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. By embedding research within its curriculum, the University ensures that students are equipped to address real-world challenges with sustainable, impactful solutions. Moreover, faculty members integrate research into their pedagogy, contributing to academic discourse through courses, seminars, and conferences.
It is within this context that the Imagining Futures Conference is conceptualized. More than just a formal gathering, it seeks to cultivate a movement that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and tangible social change. By bringing together scholars, researchers, and policymakers, the conference aims to leverage research for evidence-based policymaking and develop a research agenda that drives meaningful transformation.
May 15, 2025
Submission DeadlineHabib University
VenueAugust 1-4, 2025
Conference Dates