THEME: “SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS FOR PEACE, GOVERNANCE, AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA”

DATE: 22nd – 24th SEPTEMBER, 2025

Venue: SDD-UBIDS, Bamahu, Wa

INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to announce that the 5th Research and Development Conference will be held at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, between September 22nd and 24th, 2025. This year’s conference comes under the theme: “Sustainable Pathways for Peace, Governance, and Inclusive Development in Africa”. The theme is vital for addressing the continent’s pressing challenges while advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Peace and governance are foundational to achieving sustainable development, as articulated in SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Without peace, economic progress and social equity (SDG 8 and SDG 10) remain unattainable, and communities cannot thrive. Effective governance ensures accountability, equitable resource distribution, and inclusivity, which are essential for reducing poverty (SDG 1) and inequality. Furthermore, Africa’s development must align with SDG 13 to address climate change impacts that exacerbate conflicts and governance crises. This theme highlights the interconnectedness of these elements and fosters dialogue on innovative, locally-driven solutions. By focusing on inclusive development, the theme also emphasises the importance of empowering marginalised groups, particularly women and youth (SDG 5 and SDG 4), to contribute to resilient societies. This holistic approach ensures a sustainable, peaceful future for Africa and its global partnerships. We, therefore, welcome abstract submissions for empirical, conceptual, and theoretical research papers from researchers, practitioners, and postgraduate students who wish to submit abstracts for full papers, work in progress, or research proposals for consideration. The conference will cover a wide spectrum of themes beyond the central theme. Your participation will be instrumental in shaping this inclusive conversation as we collectively strive toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The conference welcomes submissions that are under the following sub-themes

  1. Conflict, Peace, Security and Sustainable Development
  2. Land, Construction, Real Estate, and Sustainable Facility Management
  3. Sustainable Social and Economic Development
  4. Community Engagement and Sustainable Development
  5. Communication, Media, and Development Discourses
  6. Strengthening Governance and Institutions
  7. WASH and Sustainable Development
  8. Climate Change, Environment, and Sustainable Practices
  9. Gender, Social Policy, and Social Protection
  10. Population, Migration, and Sustainable Livelihoods
  11. Sustainability, Green Business, and Innovation
  12. ICT, AI, and Sustainable Development
  13. Education and Pedagogy
  14. Economics, Business, Finance and Sustainable Development
  15. Urban Planning, GIS, and Sustainable Development
  16. Health and Well-being
  17. Sustainable Development Planning
  18. Sustainable Tourism Development
  19. Democratic Governance and Sustainable Development
  20. Sustainable Election Financing
  21. Electoral Violence, Resolution and Constitutional Development
  22. Electoral Laws and Democratic Consolidation
  23. Manifestos and National Development
  24. Education and Technology for Development
  25. Other topics within the Social Science and Humanities are welcomed

Conference Sessions

  1. Keynote Speech
  2. Postgraduate Students’ Consortium
  3. Oral Presentations

AUTHOR GUIDE
(Please note that abstracts that do not conform with the format will not be reviewed)

  1. Provide an unstructured abstract of your work
  2. The abstract should have a clear title
  3. The abstract should include an introduction, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions/implications
  4. Provide up to five (5) keywords separated with a semi-colon (;)
  5. Between 200 and 300 words and must be submitted in British English
  6. New Times Roman, 12 font, 1.5 spacing
  7. The full names, affiliations, and emails of the authors must be included in your submission
  8. Submit Your Abstract to:conference@ubids.edu.gh 

OTHERS

  1. Postgraduate students may submit abstracts of their thesis in progress or proposals but this must align with the author guide.

IMPORTANT DATES
(The deadline for submission of abstracts will not be extended) 

Activity Dates
Abstract Submission Due May 30th, 2025
Notification to Acceptance June 30th, 2025
Conference Registration 1st to 31st July 2025
Dates for conference September 22nd  to 24th, 2025

REGISTRATION FEES
Please note that the deadline for registration will not be extended

The link and medium of payment will be provided before registration opens

  1st to 31st July 2025

Regular

Participant Category  
UBIDS Staff only GHC 500
Local participants GHC 650
All Postgraduate Students GHC 350
Foreign (Africa) US$ 150
Foreign (Others) US$ 250

Note: Registration fee covers snacks and lunches, & conference pack  

All enquiries should be directed to: conference@ubids.edu.gh, or call +233594940793.