Policy

Co-led by Witwatersrand University (WITS), Johannesburg and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), the Policy Work Package (WP) is committed to producing concise, actionable, and evidence-based policy briefs that provide the European Commission, African institutions and policymakers, with up to date practical insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of the polycrisis.

The Policy WP aims to unpack the current challenges of the polycrisis, better understand its relevance to research and policy and essentially, attempt to bridge the distance between European and African policy-making. By recognizing the pivotal role of regional and continental actors in confronting the challenges posed by polycrisis, the Policy WP  amplifies the voices and experience of regional actors, -not only in institutions but also between individual experts as well. 

In close consultation with the PolyCIVIS Network and external partners, this knowledge will then be shared with Euro-African policymakers, the European Commission and selected regional institutions in Africa.


 

News & Opportunities

We are delighted to announce the 2026 Call for Policy Briefs: Polycrisis and Policy Series by the PolyCIVIS Network. This series seeks to deepen understanding and influence discussions on the complex concept of the polycrisis by exploring both theoretical frameworks and pressing policy challenges.

We welcome contributions from academics, policymakers, experts, researchers, and analysts eager to advance research, data collection, and knowledge sharing. This initiative is dedicated to fostering collaboration, enhancing policy insights, and addressing the evolving challenges of the polycrisis across Europe and Africa through interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches. 

Policy brief proposals must demonstrate clear alignment with the PolyCIVIS framework for addressing the polycrisis. 

Key Dates:

 15 January 2026, Abstract Submission: Please submit a 250-word abstract outlining the main arguments and policy recommendations

30 January 2026, Notification of acceptance of abstracts and invitation to submit a policy brief

20 March 2026, First Draft Submission: The first draft of the policy brief is due by

Contact Information:

For enquiries, please contact  Dr. Faith Mabera faith.mabera@wits.ac.za

Policy Briefs Guidelines for Submission

 

 

At PolyCIVIS, we believe that the complexity of today’s global challenges calls for innovative, interdisciplinary, and actionable solutions. That’s why we are thrilled to present ten policy briefs, setting the stage for fresh approaches to navigating the interconnected crises of our time. The Polycrisis & Policy Brief Series is coordinated by the Policy Work Package which is part of the PolyCIVIS Network. The PolyCIVIS Policy brief series aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, at various levels and to foster dialogue among stakeholders on effective policy.

 

Webinar 2 – Polycrisis and the Policy Brief Series Recording

If you missed our recent Policy Briefs Webinar, the recording of Webinar 2 – Polycrisis and the Policy Brief Series is now available. Catch up on the rich discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities of navigating today’s interconnected crises.

Join the ongoing conversation on polycrisis, polysolutions, and olymethods, and share your reflections on this insightful session.

A big thank you to all our speakers, organisers, and moderators who made the event possible.

Watch here

From Polycrisis to Polysolutions: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Complex Global Challenges

Policy Brief No.1 | March 2025
By: Dan Schreiber, Sarah Hassnaoui, Anne Weyembergh, Malte Brosig, Kamatara Kanifa, Anthony Tibaingana

Foundational Policy brief no. 1

Humanitarian Aid in the Polycrisis: Local and Systems Thinking Approaches

Policy Brief No.2 | March 2025
By: Evika Karamagioli, Manos Pikoulis, Chrysafo Arvaniti

Policy brief no. 2

Intersecting Storms: Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights in the Era of Climate Change and Environmental Justice 

Policy Brief No.3 | April 2025

By: Ronald Kihali 

Policy brief No. 3

Social Insurance in the context of the Polycrisis : A Case Study of Namibia 

Policy Brief No.4 | April 2025

By: Sabine Klocke-Daffa 

Policy brief No. 4

Circular Economy and the Polycrisis: Leveraging EU-Africa Cooperation in Natural Resource Management

Policy Brief No.5 | April 2025

By: María del Mar Alonso Almeida and Fernando Borrajo Millán

Policy brief No. 5 

Internal Displacement in Africa: Navigating the Polycrisis in a Changing Climate 

Policy Brief No.6 | April 2025

By: Thannaletchimy Housset 

Policy brief No. 6

14 Years After the Arab Spring. Egypt’s Polycrisis Risks and Potential for Civil Unrest

Policy Brief No.7 | September 2025

By: By Rachel Ainsworth and Daniel Hoyer

POLICY BRIEF NO. 7

South Africa’s Loadshedding as a Polycrisis. Public Concerns and Policy Solutions

Policy Brief No.8 | September 2025

By: Leon Tinashe Gwaka

POLICY BRIEF NO. 8

Polycrisis and the attainment of sustainable development goals in Africa

Policy Brief No.9 | September 2025

By: Saheed Akinmayowa Lawal

POLICY BRIEF NO. 9

Resilience and Rights. Gender impact of Global Polycrises in Kenya and Italy

Policy Brief No.10 | September 2025

By: Ruth Aura and Fiorenza Deriu

Policy Brief No.10

Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or engaged citizen, they offer invaluable insights into how we can think differently, act collectively, and build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Read in-depth expert analyses bringing interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges.