Amid the world’s complex socio-economic and political challenges, scholarly interventions are essential for shaping revisionist policies and fostering groundbreaking cultural discourse. The emergence of the Global South, marked by significant economic growth, brings issues of inequality, development, and sustainability to the forefront of academic discussions. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities (VISH) at VIT-AP University in Amaravati has taken the initiative to highlight these critical concerns.
From September 13 to 14, 2024, VISH organized an International Conference titled “Navigating Inequality, Development, and Sustainability in the Global South.” This event aimed to unite scholars, academicians, industry professionals, and students in a collaborative academic environment. Scholars from around the globe, including representatives from Ryukoku University (Japan), American University of Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Asian Studies Center–University of Valladolid (CEA), University of Alicante (Spain), and Casa De la India (Spain), gathered to address these pressing issues. Additionally, resource persons from UNICEF and other prominent global institutions participated in this transformative initiative.
Keynote speakers Prof. Moriki Ohara from Ryukoku University and Prof. Jalandhar Pradhan set the tone for critical discussions throughout the conference. The event adopted a multidisciplinary approach to explore the complexities of inequality, development, and sustainability in the Global South. “We have created a shared platform for exploring these vital issues,” noted Dr. Ashraf Pulikkamath, the conference convenor.
As the Global South faces various multifaceted challenges, climate change and sustainability emerged as pivotal topics during the conference. Participants also addressed inequalities and development issues related to gender, economy, subjective well-being, migration, and government policies, while incorporating literary responses to these themes. Dr. Soumik Sarkar, Dr. Ritu Varghese, and Dr. Anjitha Gopi, the co-convenors, emphasized that the conference aimed to promote collective action in tackling the ongoing challenges of our time, asserting that the academic community plays a crucial role in fostering an equitable world.
The conference underscored the urgent need to ensure equity in social and economic development within the Global South, proposing timely discussions on global policies and scholarly interventions.
