Rajshahi: A two-day International Conference on “Building Inclusive Futures: Society, Development and Governance in the 21st Century” commenced at Rajshahi University (RU) today. The Faculty of Social Science at RU is hosting the event for the third consecutive year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference aims to generate actionable knowledge to create more inclusive, resilient, and just societies in Bangladesh, across the Global South, and beyond. It seeks to foster interdisciplinary exchange among academics, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
RU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib addressed the opening ceremony as the chief guest, with Pro-VCs Prof Mohammad Main Uddin and Prof Md Farid Uddin Khan attending as special guests. The event was chaired by the Dean of the Social Science Faculty, Prof Akram Ullah.
Other notable speakers included Prof Enamul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies; Mahmudur Rahman and Katharina Maneke from GIZ Bangladesh; Dr Mathild Mitrote from Bath University in England; former VC of Comilla University Prof Zihadul Karim; and Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, Farah Kabir.
Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib emphasized that this conference offers an interdisciplinary platform for various stakeholders to engage in essential debates on social inclusion, equity, and sustainability. He highlighted that issues like climate change, pandemics, technological disruptions, and global political shifts are defining the 21st century, making inclusivity an ethical and strategic necessity.
The conference will explore how development strategies, government structures, cultural contexts, and social frameworks can become more sensitive to the needs of marginalized populations. It will also examine the prospects and challenges of developing inclusive organizations, promoting social justice, and ensuring participatory decision-making amidst existing disparities.
Prof Akram Ullah remarked that the event has created opportunities for academic dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives on building inclusive societies. It encourages discussions and research focusing on social inclusion, equity, and sustainability. The conference also enables participants to build new academic and professional connections, contributing to the development of inclusive and forward-looking societies through scholarly discussion and collaboration.