Organized by the School of Social Sciences at the University of Ghana and endorsed by the Earth System Governance Project
Background
The development programmes implemented in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) proposed in the late 1990s have come to an end at the close of 2015, yet developing countries are still facing serious developmental challenges. Most governments and development practitioners agree that a post-2015 development agenda should promote not only poverty reduction and sustainability but also good governance, institutional and capacity building, private sector development and justice and peace. The Sustainable Development Goals which have been designed to replace the MDGs are largely based on the growing consensus that good governance and sustainable development are inseparable. Good governance entails the effective and efficient management of public resources in response to the needs of society. It emphasises plural participation, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. Recent scholarship has shown that enhancing the capacities for good governance can significantly contribute to the achievement of the objectives of sustainable development, which includes creating jobs, enhancing livelihoods, reducing poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting peaceful societies. Through research, training, dissemination of research results, and advocacy work, the social scientist can play a significant role in developing capacities for good governance, implementing and monitoring programmes aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.
For the 2016 School of Social Sciences Conference, the organizing committee invites abstract submissions on topical issues under the two broad areas of good governance and sustainable development. We particularly invite papers that combine empirical findings with theoretical reflections under the following broad headings:
- Politics and governance
- Environmental governance
- Poverty and Development
- Natural Resources Management
- Child Development and Education
- Youth and Development
- Health and Development
- Urbanization and Crime/Security
- Migration
- Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth
- Decent Employment For All
- Clean and Sustainable Energy
- Corruption and Development
- Gender and Development Issues
- Human Rights Issues
- Ageing, Disability and Social Protection
- Social Media and Technology
This is by no means exhaustive. Other topics relevant to the theme are welcome. We are especially interested in new research that addresses emerging issues related to the central theme.
Instructions for Submitting an Abstract
You are invited to submit an abstract of not more than 250 words to the Colloquium Committee at (sscolloquium@ug.edu.gh) by February 12, 2016. Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified by February 26, 2016 and presenters will also be notified of their session title and time by March 18, 2016. Abstracts must contain the following information: Title of Paper, Name (s), Department(s), Institution(s) and Email Address(s) of the corresponding author. Please note that all abstracts and papers will be posted on the University of Ghana website with the final programme, for conference participants to review in advance. Authors should kindly indicate whether a submission is for oral or poster presentation.
Authors are encouraged to collaborate to form panel sessions. A panel comprises four papers. Submissions for panel presentations should include a summary of 300 words maximum and an abstract for each paper / presenter. The panel organizer will be informed of the decision regarding the panel before individual panel members will be contacted. Faculty members are strongly encouraged to team up with graduate students to form panels.
Summary of Important Dates
• February 12, 2016: Deadline for submitting abstracts
• February 26, 2016: Authors are notified of abstract acceptance
• March 18, 2016: Presenters will be notified of their session title and time
Additional Information
For conference package and lunch, register at the Dean’s Office, School of Social Sciences (see Cynthia or Catherine at the general office) as follows:
· International presenters/participants – US$100 (payment on arrival)
· Local presenters/participants – GH¢50
· Student presenters/participants – GH¢30
Other local and international participants should email sscolloquium@ug.edu.gh for registration and provide their Names, Institutions, Departments and Email Addresses. Payment should be made before or on arrival. All enquiries should be directed to the same email address.