Stay informed for the recent updates, and seize opportunities to get involved. Below you will find the most recent calls for contributions from the PolyCIVIS Research, Policy and Teaching Work Packages.
PolyCIVIS is delighted to announce the 2025 Conference, set to take place in Dakar, in Senegal, hosted by Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar from 23 to 26 April 2025. This important 4-day event will convene leaders from the higher education, policy and research sectors to explore and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the polycrisis.
The conference will delve into the impact of polycrisis and its ongoing implications on policy, higher education and research. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from esteemed speakers, engage in dynamic panel discussions, and participate in thought-provoking conversations.
The event is designed to foster collaboration and highlight innovative solutions poised to better understand the impacts of simultaneous major societal crises that challenge the world in the form of a polycrisis.
Throughout the Conference, almost 50 professionals from 21 European and African universities, as well as representatives from the private and public sectors will examine the future of higher education in the era of polycrisis, focusing on the impact of different crises on education, research, policymaking.
Guided by leading experts, attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest developments and engage in discussions on critical questions we are facing locally and globally.
PolyCIVIS delves into the concept of polycrisis by exploring:
Conference format:
The conference will feature activities such as an Agora Forum with plenary sessions, breakout discussions, workshops and roundtable discussions, led by the Work Package co-leader universities.
Target Audience:
Join us at the PolyCIVIS Conference Dakar 2025 to engage in meaningful discussions, share the most impactful project outcomes, address key challenges, and strengthen collaborations among academics and scientists dedicated to tackling the complexities of polycrisis.
Contact: If you have any questions, please email polycivis@ulb.be
We live in a time of polycrisis, a convergence of interconnected global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and technological disruption. These are no longer isolated issues but mutually reinforcing risks that demand a new generation of thinkers equipped with the right tools to anticipate, respond, and lead.
That’s where Strategic Foresight comes in, and where you can be part of the solution. This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), developed under the CIVIS Alliance, seeks to cultivate these essential skills in graduate students, enabling them to become effective agents of change in the face of the polycrisis.
Virtual Component
October to December 2025 | 6 interactive sessions
(12 hours + 12 hours of independent work)
Delivered via MS Teams & CIVIS virtual campus
In-Person Winter School
Brussels, Institut d’Études Européennes – Université libre de Bruxelles
26–30 January 2026
Includes workshops, visits to EU institutions, group simulations, and a final public conference.
By the end of the programme, students will:
This BIP is designed for:
With guest speakers from the European Commission, European Parliament, OECD, UN-OCHA, and civil society.
Participation equals 3 ECTS credits
A certificate of completion will be provided
Contact: frederik.ponjaert@ulb.be
We are delighted to announce the 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.
03 April 2025 Abstract Submission: (250-word abstract outlining the main arguments and policy recommendations)
16 April 2025: Notification of acceptance of abstracts and invitation to submit a policy brief
05 June 2025: First Draft Submission
Policy Briefs Guidelines for Submission
As part of PolyCIVIS Research Work Package efforts, we have developed a comprehensive Polycrisis Database, now accessible via Zotero. This dynamic resource brings together more than 340 publications, offering a multidisciplinary and multilingual collection of academic and grey literature on polycrisis.
The accompanying report is structured into four key sections, covering:
DATABASE AIM, SCOPE, METHODOLOGY
By reading the report and accessing the database, you can gain a deeper understanding of how polycrisis is analyzed across different disciplines, institutions, and global contexts, particularly from European and African perspectives. Whether you're a researcher, educator, student, policymaker, or simply interested in global crises, this tool provides valuable insights to support learning, teaching, and decision-making.
Authors:
Fadma AIT MOUS (Université Hassan II de Casablanca)
Mauve CARBONELL (Aix-Marseille Université)
Sarah HASSNAOUI (PolyCIVIS Research Work Package Coordinator)
Do you want to know more? You can contact us at polycivis@ulb.be.
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. Read in-depth expert analyses bringing interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges and new approaches to humanitarian aid in the polycrisis.
Foundational Policy brief no. 1*
This PolyCIVIS Foundational Brief explores the complexities of the 'polycrisis', an era defined by
interconnected global challenges.
By: Dan Schreiber, Sarah Hassnaoui, Anne Weyembergh, Malte Brosig,
Kamatara Kanifa, Anthony Tibaingana
This policy brief offers actionable alternatives to address these pressing challenges by advocating for localized humanitarian responses and systems-thinking approaches.
By Evika Karamagioli, Manos Pikoulis, Chrysafo Arvaniti
As part of the PolyCIVIS Network, the Policy Work Package, in collaboration with the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), invites you to a webinar marking the launch of the first batch of the Policy Brief series.
This series informs and shapes the discourse on the multifaceted concept of polycrisis. It aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers at various levels and to foster dialogue among stakeholders on effective policy responses.
Why Attend?
This webinar will spotlight two key policy briefs that address critical aspects of the polycrisis:
Beyond these key topics, the broader Policy Brief series will cover essential areas such as environmental sustainability, social insurance, humanitarian action, the circular economy, and internal displacement.
What to Expect?Presenters:
Dan Schreiber, PolyCIVIS Policy WP co-leader, Doctor, Université Libre de Bruxelles
Chrysafo Arvaniti, PolyCIVIS Advisory Board member, scientific associate of the MSc in Global Health and Disaster Medicine
Evika Karamagioli, Scientific Associate of the MSc Global Health -Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, NKUA
Discussants:
Malte Brosig, PolyCIVIS Policy WP co-leader, Professor, University of the Witwatersrand
Moderator:
Sophie Desmidt, Associate director of ECDPM's Peaceful Societies and Accountable Governance cluster and Head of the Peace, security and resilience workstream
Date: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Time: 12:30 - 14:00 (GMT+1)
Registration link: Click here
Be part of this crucial conversation and help drive policy development in response to today’s complex global challenges.
In the PolyCIVIS podcast series, we engage with experts from diverse disciplines to explore the complexities of the polycrisis and its effects on research, policy, and education.
Listen to the podcasts:
Climate change adaptation in West Africa: an interplay with the polycrisis?
With Professor Ahmadou Aly Mbaye, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
Innovative pedagogies as an approach to the polycrisis.
With Assistant Professor Aspasia Dania, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
*for this podcast, we were very glad to have with us Katerina Schoina, Co-chair of the CIVIS Global Student Council and Doctoral Candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Archaeological monuments, cultural heritage and climate change: liaisons of polycrisis?
With Professor and Vice-Rector Sophia Papaioannou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
These podcasts were recorded at the Media Studios of Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg with the support of CIVIS University Alliance.
Concept and Interviews: Professor Dimitris Gouscos, Communication and Dissemination WP Co-leader (NKUA)
CIVIS Global Student Council Representative: Katerina Schoina, Co-chair of the CIVIS Global Student Council and Doctoral Candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Audio Editing: Yves Coudron
Studio Technician and Recording: Simon Haigermoser (PLUS)
General Production: PolyCIVIS Communication and Dissemination WP
Special Thanks to: María Isabel Soldevila Brea and Jeanne Sadzot from the CIVIS Communication Unit
“Polycrisis: Migration, Displacement, Conflict and Humanitarianism” was the title of the sub-themed panel which was led by Professor Zagel Gudrun (PLUS) as part of the 3rd International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient Communities, Ecosystems and Livelihoods under Global Environmental Change.
Dates: 4-6 December 2024, Uganda
Key issues rased, were:
With contributions from Makarere and PLUS universities, this event inspired actionable pathways to shape the future of crisis responses, emphasizing education’s vital role in tackling these challenges.
Euro-African Trade and Investment Relations and the Polycrisis
We are thrilled to announce that more than 90 students from both Europe and Africa have already enrolled in the Euro-African Trade and Investment Relations and the Polycrisis Blended Intensive Programme (BIP)!
This achievement highlights the strong interest in exploring critical issues at the intersection of trade, investment, and the polycrisis.
Designed by PLUS University and Makerere University, this programme offers a unique opportunity for students across the two contintents to exchange and gain hands-on experience in negotiating agreements aimed at tackling the polycrisis, drawing on theoretical knowledge of EU-African Trade and Investment Agreements.
About the BIP
This Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) includes a physical mobility and a virtual part, providing an immersive and flexible experienceIt is open to students currently studying at Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level, interested on the topic of polycrisis.
Course dates: 6 March - 27 June 2025
CIVIS Focus Area: Cities, territories and mobilities
Amid the complex challenges of our time, Lara Leik’s reflection from the PolyCIVIS Public Session during CIVIS Days 2024 offers a hopeful perspective. Don’t miss her insightful take on how we can turn today’s obstacles into tomorrow’s opportunities for change.
The 4th Faculty of Law Legal Aid Project (FOLLAP) conference, hosted by Egerton University with the collaboration of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), delved into the critical intersections of climate change and social justice. Held at Lake Naivasha, Kenya, this landmark conference explored how climate crises impact vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, while discussing the legal and societal responses.
Ruth Aura ( Egerton University) and Gudrun Zagel (PLUS) wrote a report to help us learn more about fostering climate justice and empowering marginalized voices.
On Tuesday, December 17 2024, at the Maison Méditerranéenne des Sciences de l’Homme (MMSH, Aix-en-Provence) and online via Zoom, Aix-Marseille University organised a thought-provoking seminar with the title “Is the Polycrisis a Relevant Concept for Studying Migration?”
This interdisciplinary event, featured experts Anne Weyembergh and Dan Schreiber from PolyCIVIS, to discuss how interconnected crises shape migration dynamics across Europe and Africa.
PolyCIVIS’s participation in CIVIS Days 2024 brought valuable opportunities for an insightful dialogue between European and African experts. Through our public event, we explored approaches to addressing global crises. Below are key insights and takeaways from our engagement during the event.
University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou - Burkina Faso, is organizing “Multidimensional Analysis of Illegal Immigration: Understanding, Preventing, and Integrating”, an in-depth international conference exploring the complex realities of clandestine migration and the challenges faced by migrants navigating unauthorized mobility across borders.
This conference will focus on the pressing issue of clandestine migration, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa to Europe, and will address critical themes, particularly:
Panel Discussions
19 November 2024
Panel 1: Institutional approach to migration: Moderators: Dr Mahamoudou ZONGO and Dr Zakaria SORE
Panel 2: Migration policies, rights and health: Moderators: Pr André Kamba SOUBEIGA and Pr Claudine Valérie ROUAMBA
20 November 2024
Panel 3: The causes of immigration: Moderators: Pr Ramané KABORE et Pr Issa SOME (with the contribution of PolyCIVIS’ representation)
Panel 4: Persistence of migratory flows and tragedies: Moderators: Pr Augustin PALE and Dr Siaka OUATTARA
21 November 2024
Panel 5: Perceptions of current migratory flows: Moderators: Pr Alkassoum MAIGA and Dr Alexis KABORE
By addressing these critical issues, the conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of the African migration experience and its implications for Europe, encouraging dialogue and cooperation between the two continents to find sustainable solutions.
PolyCIVIS’ participation
In this context, PolyCIVIS is invited to contribute to Panel 3 on Wednesday 20th November entitled Causes de l’immigration clandestine (The causes of illegal immigration), moderated by Pr Ramané KABORE et Pr Issa SOME. PolyCIVIS will be represented by ULB and other PolyCIVIS members (more details TBA).
"Facing Polycrisis in Europe and Africa"
A crucial hybrid panel discussion on the pressing topic of polycrisis took place during CIVIS Days 2024 in Salzburg.
This event is linked to the PolyCIVIS network, a collaboration between the CIVIS Alliance members and 4 additional African universities.
Watch the recorded roundtable discussion
PolyCIVIS’s 21 universities collaborated in this event bringing together experts from a range of disciplines to reflect together on future strategies, joint actions and consequences of polycrisis.
Speakers:
Prof. Ahmadou Aly Mbaye, Faculty of Economics and Public Policies, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
Prof. Mucha Musemwa, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand
Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal & Professor of Economics, Makerere University
Prof. Gudrun Zagel, Faculty of Law, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg
Prof. Anne Weyembergh, PolyCIVIS Project Director, Université libre de Bruxelles (moderator)
Themes:
Defining and understanding polycrisis
Exploring polycrisis’ interconnected global risks and cascading effects
Social impacts and inequalities
Changing the narrative: solutions and resilience
The event was attended by:
This timely event was succesfully attended by researchers, academics, students, policymakers, and other key stakeholders interested in polycrisis, from Africa, Europe and beyond.
On September 25th, a group of academics and students gathered during CIVIS Days for an insightful discussion led by Makerere University (Uganda) and Paris Lodron University Salzburg (Austria). The focus? How to create innovative teaching programs to address the growing challenges of interconnected global crises like climate change, economic instability, and social inequality.
Drawing on the Euro-African Trade and Investment Relations and the Polycrisis Blended Intensive Program (BIP) which is scheduled to last between 6 March - 27 June 2025, the session explored ways to expand this interdisciplinary approach to teaching. Participants discussed how universities can leverage existing courses, integrate research-driven teaching, and strengthen the link between academia and the research, policy, and civic communities to build comprehensive programs that empower students to actively engage in better understanding global crises.
What made the session stand out was the direct involvement of CIVIS Global Student Council students, whose feedback and experience on previous BIPs shaped much of the discussion. Their insights, paired with contributions from the rest of the participants, pointed to a future where education becomes a collaborative effort between academics and students, designed to address real-world issues.
This session was more than just an exchange of ideas between academics and students; it fostered a transformative perspective on how partnerships can lead to innovative teaching models tailored to address today's global challenges.
This web dossier presents a collection of interviews conducted with academics from the PolyCIVIS network and beyond, shedding light on their teaching methodologies, experiences, and insights.
We invite you to explore these interviews and gain deeper insights into the transformative potential of education within the PolyCIVIS alliance.
PolyCIVIS' vibrant community is making waves at top national and international events!
This article highlights the impactful participation of PolyCIVIS members in various external events.
Read the full article here.
In an era marked by multifaceted challenges, from economic instability to climate change and global pandemics, the art of policy making has never been more crucial. To shed light on this complex landscape, we had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Malte Borsig from the University of Witwatersrand. With his expertise in international relations and governance, Professor Borsig shared invaluable insights unraveling the complexity and interconnection of polycrises and their implications for policy formulation.
Explore the complete interview by clicking here!
