7th International Summer School on "Regional Connectivity, Economic prosperity and Stability"

  • 9:00 am
  • Department of Political Science, UoP

Theme and Purpose:

Regional organizations and platforms, such as the European Union (EU) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have played a crucial role for regional integration. Such regional bodies enhance economic cooperation and reduce insecurity. Furthermore, greater regional connectivity in these organizations, infrastructural and economic relations but also through people-to-people contact have created greater mutual understanding around social and cultural issues. Thus, a holistic approach toward regional connectivity and cooperation is understood to lead to greater security and stability which might result in more sustainable development. Considering their geographical locations and political histories, Pakistan and Afghanistan serve as the natural bridge between South and Central Asian states. As evidenced by the examples of greater regional connectivity in Europe, promoting regional connectivity in the South Asian-Central Asian Region has the potential to advance economic development and peace for the entire region.

It should, on the one hand, be understood that issues such as state-building, great power politics and historical strains among some regional states make the task of regional integration more complicated. On the other hand, it has to be reminded that the conflict-ridden nature of the region makes the interconnectivity all the more desirable, even essential to our common future. In order to promote regional connectivity, the summer school intends to bring together young scholars from across the region with a view to understand the broader concept of regional connectivity and other related subthemes especially in the context of South and Central Asian countries. Furthermore, the summer school is initiated with a belief that social linkage and mutual understanding of respective needs and interests are prerequisites for effective regional integration. Such understanding can further lead to the development of strategies for holistic and sustainable development as well as durable peace in the region. The summer school intends to serve as a platform from which a better understanding is generated and strides are made towards peace and cooperation in South and Central Asia.

Who We Are:

Located in the historic city of Peshawar, the University of Peshawar is the oldest and largest university of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Department of Political Science is one of the oldest and most prestigious departments of the University of Peshawar. The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) is a German political foundation that works in the service of democracy, peace and development. In Pakistan, the HSF focus includes good governance, regional dialogue and academic research and exchange.

Approach:

The approach of the program is interactive, and participants are expected to learn not only from the resource persons but also from each other by sharing their own experiences. Along with the academic sessions, visits to government and non-government institutions, group meals, cultural nights and sightseeing ventures are part of the program. Participants of the Summer School will participate actively in the 9th HSF-UoP International Conference titled ‘The Dynamics of Change in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Region: Politics, (Dis)integration and Reformation in the Borderland’.

Who Can Apply:

The Summer School is open to undergraduate and graduate students coming from Pakistan, Afghanistan, South Asian and Central Asian states. Applicants can be from any academic discipline. However, they should be able to demonstrate interest in, and willingness to learn about, the regional issues especially those covered by the theme of the Summer School.

How to Apply:

  • Interested students from Pakistan, South and Central Asia should complete the online application form available at: https://forms.gle/sRsDuXHathjH93UL6
  • Short-listed candidates will be interviewed via Skype.
  • They are required to deposit a refundable registration fee of Rs. 5000/- (from Pakistan) and USD 40 (from abroad), through wire transfer, upon acceptance of their application.

Registration and Support:

  • Selected participants will be provided transport, accommodation and food during the summer school.
  • The participants of the summer school take part in interactive academic sessions with renowned Pakistani and international scholars. In addition, the programme of the Summer School includes a tour of the historic city of Peshawar and visits to important official sites, most notably, the Parliament of Pakistan.

Deadline:

The last date of application submission is April 10, 2019.

For Queries:

Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar. summerschool@uop.edu.pk   OR aameraza@uop.edu.pk