University of Namibia to Host the 2026 SANORD Annual Conference
07/11/2025University of Namibia to Host the 2026 SANORD Annual Conference
07/11/2025
The conference brought together scholars, leaders, and practitioners from across the Global South and North for meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and renewed partnerships centred on equity, sustainability, and innovation.
The pre-conference activities set a strong foundation for the week, featuring Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and side events that explored key themes such as innovation and entrepreneurship, cross-cultural collaborations, decolonial approaches to knowledge, and knowledge-based development. These sessions fostered rich discussions that paved the way for deeper engagement throughout the conference.
The conference opened with words of welcome from Pro-Rector Berit Eika, SANORD Vice-Chair Stine Grønvold, and SANORD Director Umesh Bawa, reaffirming SANORD’s mission as a bridge between regions.
The Brian O’Connell Lecture, delivered by Professor Divine Fuh (University of Cape Town), titled “Centring Africa, Transforming Partnerships: Indexing the World to a Decolonial Imperative,” inspired participants to reimagine global collaboration through African knowledge systems and to pursue partnerships grounded in equity and transformation.
Over the following days, delegates engaged in diverse sessions spanning Africa–Europe research collaborations, sustainable development, creative economies, community-based health, and reimagined education systems. The keynote by Sylvie Namwase (Makerere University) and Ole Wæver (University of Copenhagen) offered valuable insights on “University Collaborations as Agents of Equity in a Persistently Unequal World,” emphasising the relational nature of true partnership.
Over the following days, delegates engaged in diverse sessions spanning Africa–Europe research collaborations, sustainable development, creative economies, community-based health, and reimagined education systems. The keynote by Sylvie Namwase (Makerere University) and Ole Wæver (University of Copenhagen) offered valuable insights on “University Collaborations as Agents of Equity in a Persistently Unequal World,” emphasising the relational nature of true partnership.
The conference concluded with great excitement as the University of Namibia (UNAM) was officially announced as the host of the SANORD 2026 Conference, to be held in Windhoek, Namibia. Delegates ended their time in Denmark with an enriching visit to the Moesgaard Museum, reflecting on the deep connections between knowledge, culture, and history.
SANORD 2025 reaffirmed the transformative power of collaboration and the importance of building inclusive, resilient, and equitable knowledge partnerships across regions.
The SANORD Secretariat extends sincere gratitude to Aarhus University, speakers, panellists, and participants for shaping an inspiring and forward-looking conference. As preparations begin for the SANORD 2026 conference, we look forward to continuing the conversation on how knowledge economies can drive shared prosperity in a rapidly changing world.