Balance, Growth and Sustainability in Africa-China Relations
How can African societies benefit from intensified economic and political ties with China? How can China benefit from socially and politically sustainable investments into African economies? To mobilize novel ideas, arguments and solutions to key issues in Africa-China relations, Yale University is partnering with leading business schools in Africa and China to host a series of high-profile, interdisciplinary conferences on Africa-China relations.
The conferences aim to integrate African, Chinese and global perspectives on Africa-China relations, featuring presentations by leading scholars, experts, entrepreneurs, policy makers, activists and opinion leaders. Yale’s global academic partners include Lagos Business School (LBS), hosting the inaugural conference in March 2016, Fudan University School of Management, University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and the University of Ghana Business School.
Chaired by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (Former Minister of External Affairs of Nigeria and UN Under-Secretary General) and Prof. Li Anshan (Director of the African Studies Program at Peking University), the inaugural conference will be held at Lagos Business School on March 15-18, 2016. The conference will bring together established and aspiring thought leaders on Africa-China relations, offering first-hand insights and unparalleled opportunities for networking and exchange.
Eligibility
Scholars & Experts
Scholars and experts at any level of seniority with a demonstrated interest in Africa-China relations are invited to participate. Panel presenters are selected based on short proposals, articulating a single original idea or argument related to the economic, social or political sustainability of China-Africa relations. Conference funding and travel assistance for panel contributors may be available, based on need and geographical distribution. Prior to the conference, participants will be asked to circulate a short memo of about 5000 words, summarizing their ideas and arguments. At the conference, all panel participants are expected to have read and prepared comments on each other’s memos.
Decision-Makers & Opinion Leaders
Leaders in business, government and society with the ability to communicate a distinctive perspective or experience in Africa-China relations are invited to propose a presentation topic. The conference panels will include professionals whose position, experience or expertise provide them with unique insights or perspectives on Africa-China relations. Entrepreneurs and corporate executives, policy makers, diplomats, activists, journalists and opinion leaders are encouraged to apply. Conference funding and travel assistance for panel contributors may be available, based on need and geographical distribution.
Proposal Submission Guidelines
For questions and further information related to the call for proposals, please contact Malte Lierl (Academic Associate Director, Yale Africa Initiative) at africa-china@yale.edu. To submit a proposal, please kindly follow the guidelines below.
Scholars & Experts
Presentation abstracts (not exceeding 500 words) and a curriculum vitae should be submitted online by December 1st, 2015, 11:59pm EST. Early submissions are encouraged. Proposals must succinctly articulate a single original idea, argument or policy recommendation related to the economic, social or political sustainability of China-Africa relations.
> Submit a presentation proposal here (scholars and experts)
Decision-Makers & Opinion Leaders
Short presentation proposals and a résumé/curriculum vitae should be submitted online by December 1st, 2015, 11:59pm EST. Early submissions are encouraged. Presentation proposals should succinctly outline a single topic to which the applicant can contribute unique or distinctive perspective (up to 200 words) and state in a few words how the applicant's position, experience or expertise qualifies her/him to speak on this topic (up to 100 words). Topics may include case studies of Sino-African cooperation, as well as novel ideas, such as business models or policy recommendations. The proposed topic should broadly relate to the economic, social or political sustainability of China-Africa relations.
> Submit a presentation proposal here (decision-makers and opinion leaders)