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 Deadline
Habib University
Venue
August 1-4, 2025
Conference Dates
These sessions will feature presentations from researchers, grounded in completed or ongoing research projects on related themes. The focus will be on key findings, methodology, and implications of the research. Pre-assigned discussants will lead the discussion and provide feedback, before opening up the floor to the audience.
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These sessions will feature experienced academics and practitioners coming together for an intellectual discourse on a common theme. These discussions will draw on both academic research and practical field experience to contextualise the urgent issues faced today, and to chart a way forward for future research and collaborations.
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This showcase will feature field-based projects led by researchers, development agencies, or government bodies. The goal is to raise awareness about the practical work being done in the field, outline challenges, brainstorm next steps, and to explore collaborations for resource sharing and empirical research on the projects.
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This showcase will feature a curated selection of urgent issues grounded in ethical research-based stories in the form of documentaries, photo essays, and longform journalism. These may be presented as a panel or a visual showcase allowing for a deeper conversation, depending on the nature of the submission itself.
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This format invites a visual display of completed or ongoing research projects being undertaken by undergraduate and graduate students. Posters will be displayed for a wide audience and facilitate informal, one-on-one conversations about the projects. In addition to dissemination, presenters will also benefit from feedback on their work.
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A variety of workshops will be offered at the conference to enable capacity building and promote continued learning for different audiences: students, academics, and practitioners. The topics will include specific research methods as well as broader research questions or policy considerations for social equity in South Asia.
Explore MorePlease reach out to us at ifc@habib.edu.pk for any questions.
