Call for Papers

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

on

Recalibrating Foreign Policy Framework for Sharing Indigenous

Knowledge among the Global South: A Case of India and Africa

Jointly Organised by

Miranda House, Delhi University &

Centre for African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,

and

African Studies Association of India, New Delhi

Date: 23-24 October 2025

Venue: New Delhi

Email: iksindiaafrica2025@gmail.com

Last Date of submission of Abstract in 250 words by 20^th August 2025

CONCEPT NOTE

In this current era of turbulent times in global power dynamics, the emergence of Global South countries is being seen with a new hope. The Global South is now shaping opinions, bringing out new alternatives and most importantly despite differences trying to work out together to achieve these objectives. Besides, as the need to develop a broader strategy is growing, the indigenous knowledge systems, both traditional and recent,  have become a part of a global engagement focus. So, whether it is sustainable development, cultural resurgence or epistemic justice, indigenous knowledge systems provide a foreground. Indigenous knowledge holds deep environmental wisdom, traditional medical practice, agricultural innovations, peaceful methods for conflict resolution and also awakening spiritual systems. These alternatives and solutions are not only effective locally but can be very useful globally relevant alternatives for sustainable living and climate change action.

India and Africa both share deep civilizational linkages which is marked by rich traditions of indigenous knowledge systems in various fields like health, agriculture, water conservation, biodiversity management and community governance. India has traditional medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, while Africa has practiced herbal medicines and traditional healers. India has practised vernacular architecture, Vaastu Shastra and water management systems like stepwells. While Africa has followed the Ubuntu philosophy which symbolises community building, humanity and interdependence. There is so much for India and Africa to learn from each other.  

However, one cannot find any traces of this knowledge in official diplomatic channels, trade negotiations or the development policies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to recalibrate the foreign policy to accommodate, protect and promote indigenous knowledge as an important element of South-South cooperation.

This seminar will bring together academicians, policymakers, diplomats, indigenous practitioners, civil society organisations to come together and reimagine foreign policy as a tool for indigenous knowledge sharing between India and African countries. The seminar will explore various institutional mechanisms, policy frameworks and people-to-people linkages to further stimulate this discourse. Abstracts in 250 words invited on following subthemes but not limited to them by 15^th August 2025 -

Themes:

1. Indigenous Knowledge systems- traditional and recent,  in the 21^st century
2. Need for Foreign policy prioritisation of traditional knowledge exchange among global South
3. Ayurveda, Traditional Medicine, Health Diplomacy and Community healing practices.
4. African traditional knowledge and its relevance for global South Challenges
5. Sustainable development and Climate Resilience from local practices.
6. Role of Diaspora in promoting exchange of Indigenous Knowledge exchange.
7. Role of Institutional forums  -SAARC, IBSA, BRICS, AU and UN  

Convenors:     

• Prof Ajay Dubey, JNU, & President -African Studies Association of India.
• Prof Bashabi Gupta, Miranda House, Delhi University
• Dr Sushmita Rajwar, School of International Studies, JNU
• Dr. Rajnish Gupta, Centre for African Studies, JNU