2025PACSE: 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition Washington DC/MD/VA Area Washington DC., DC, United States, June 9-13, 2025 |
| Conference website | https://usafricacollaborative.org |
| Submission link | https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=2025pacse |
| Abstract registration deadline | November 11, 2024 |
| Submission deadline | January 20, 2025 |
Call for Papers and Presentations: 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition
Theme: Innovation, Sustainability, and EquityDates: June 9-13, 2025, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area
The US-Africa Collaborative is excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition’s Call for Papers and Presentations. We invite experts, innovators, academics, housing and human settlement professionals and practitioners, community and economic development practitioners, students, educators, artists and artisans, government officials, and thought leaders to submit their abstracts for papers, presentations, workshops, and demonstrations.
Why Participate?
The 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition offers unique opportunities for collaborative learning, networking, and hands-on engagement:
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions designed to tackle real-world challenges in housing and urban development. Work alongside experts in architecture, urban planning, and sustainability to co-create actionable solutions.
- International Design Competitions: Join design teams from across the globe in tackling housing issues through creative solutions. Compete in the Pan African Innovation Challenge, where participants develop prototypes for sustainable housing using local materials and innovative technologies.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of professionals from various sectors, including government officials, real estate developers, NGOs, and investors. Our structured Networking Sessions provide an ideal setting to forge partnerships and explore collaborations.
- Interactive Panel Discussions: Engage in dynamic conversations with thought leaders about emerging trends in affordable housing, policy frameworks, and urban resilience. Audience participation is encouraged through live polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout discussions.
- Innovation Lab Tours: Explore cutting-edge housing technology and materials at the Innovation Lab Housing Showcase located on the National Mall, presented by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Have Fun: Explore the Washington DC area’s Amenities, Entertainment, Culture, and History!
By participating, you not only gain new insights but also contribute to shaping the future of housing and human settlement development across the African Diaspora.
Dual Format Symposium and Professional Conference
The 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition invites submissions for its Dual-Format event, featuring both an Academic Symposium and a Professional Conference on housing and human settlements, and community development. This year's theme focuses on Innovation, Sustainability, and Equity, with the aim of fostering cross-sector collaboration to address critical urban and rural challenges on the African continent and throughout the African Diaspora, including North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, UK, Australia, and Asia.
The Symposium will be open to anyone, including housing, human settlement professionals, educators, government and elected officials, NGOs, real estate development professionals, students, investors/financiers, innovators and anyone interested in housing and community development. We are excited to invite you to contribute your expertise and insights to the Pan African City Symposium and Exposition, an event that promises to be a hallmark of collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in housing, human settlements, and sustainable community development. Expertise and contributions are vital to the success of this symposium/conference. Please consider submitting a paper, presentation, or workshop that will demonstrate the best in sustainability, equity, and innovative practices.
Nelson Mandela University
University of Johannesburg
University of Maryland, College Park
University of KwaZulu Natal
University of Fort Hare
Morgan State University
University of Baltimore
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Office of the Secretary of State
Mangosuthu University of Technology
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (USA)
National Association of Social Housing Organizations (SA)
KwaZulu Natal Department of Human Settlements
MD KZN Sister State Program
University of South Africa
University of the Free State
Symposium/Exposition Objectives:
The 2025 Pan African Symposium/Exposition on the Pan African City seeks to exchange knowledge, create, and nurture partnerships for change, engage multiple disciplines in the housing and human settlement sectors, share innovations in housing and human settlement and community development and explore opportunities for long-term future engagement throughout the African Diaspora.
Esteemed Panel of Scientific and Professional Advisors
Professor Emeritus, Sheri Parks, PhD University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
Professor Prudence Khumalo, PhD Program Coordinator, Department of Public Administration &Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Professor Sijekula Mbanga, Chair, Human Settlements, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Ms. Elizabeth S. Glenn, Chair Emeritus, US Africa Collaborative, Baltimore, Maryland US
Professor Khululekani Ntakana, PhD University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Guateng, South Africa
Dr. BYC Mvuyana Acting HOD Department of Public Administration and Economics, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Mr. Fred Banuelos Community Investment Business Development Manager at Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Professor Al Gourrier, PhD University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
Mr. Brien O’Toole, Director of Housing Production, MD Department of Housing and Community Development, Largo, Maryland US
Mr. John Papagni, Program Manager, Neighborhood Revitalization, MD Department of Housing and Community Development, Largo. Maryland US
Professor Brian Wasserman, Head oof Department, Building Construction and Management, Minnesota State University at Mankato, Mankato, Minnesota US
Ms. Irma Gorham, CEO Housing Authority of the City of Paterson, Paterson, NJ, US
Professor David Abrahams, PhD, Department of Management, Marketing & Public Administration, Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland
1. Academic Symposium Submission Requirements
The Academic Symposium welcomes papers that address the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and equity in urban and rural development, housing, human settlements, and infrastructure. We seek original and timely research that challenges existing paradigms, offers new insights, and propose or describe innovative approaches that will energize and actualize the future of human settlements throughout the African Diaspora.
Key Topics May Include:
- Sustainable Urban and Rural Development and Planning
- Smart Villages
- Housing Policy and Affordable Housing Solutions
- Creative Placemaking in Urban Renewal and Rural Development
- Technological Innovation in Infrastructure
- Innovative approaches to sustainable housing design and development
- Climate Resilience and Human Settlement Design
- Art as a Tool for Social Cohesion
- Social Equity in Housing and Human Settlements
- Artisans and Crafts in Sustainable Housing
- Indigenous and Local Design Principles for Urban and Rural Spaces
- Cultural and Historical Preservation through Art
Evaluation Criteria:
- Originality (30%): Does the paper present new ideas, approaches, or findings? Does it challenge existing paradigms or introduce fresh perspectives?
- Relevance to Themes (25%): How well does the paper address one or more of the symposium's themes of innovation, sustainability, or equity in housing and human settlements?
- Research Rigor (20%): Is the research well-conducted, with appropriate methods and solid evidence? Are the conclusions supported by the data?
- Impact (15%): What is the potential impact of the findings on urban and rural development in the African Diaspora? Will the ideas contribute to meaningful progress in the field?
- Clarity and Presentation (10%): Is the paper clearly written, with a logical flow and appropriate use of figures, tables, and references?
Submission Guidelines:
We are fortunate to have a unique relationship with Frontiers Media, LLC. Selected papers may be included in a special Frontiers Media Journal. As such, we follow Frontiers’ guidelines for publication to give our respondents the best chance at being selected for publication by the highly regarded publisher.
Adhering to Frontiers Media academic submission standards, we require:
- Original Research Articles: Comprehensive research addressing one or more symposium themes. Maximum 12,000 words, excluding references, tables, and figures.
- Review Articles: Critical evaluations of relevant literature, up to 10,000 words.
- Case Reports and Studies: In-depth analyses of specific cases, offering insights into broader challenges, up to 7,000 words.
- Extended Abstracts: Abstracts for research in progress, with findings expected by the time of the symposium. Up to 500 words.
Formatting and Submission Requirements:
- Abstract: Up to 300 words (for research articles, reviews, and case reports).
- Keywords: 5-8 relevant keywords.
- Manuscript Format: MS Word or LaTeX file, following Frontiers Media guidelines for formatting, including references and citations.
- Bio and Headshot
- Submission Deadline: February 15, 2025.
- Peer Review: Submissions will undergo a rigorous peer review process according to Frontiers Media standards.
Accepted submissions may be considered for publication in a special issue of a Frontiers journal aligned with the symposium's themes.
Review Process:
In our commitment to upholding the integrity of academia, we employ a double peer review process to rigorously evaluate all submissions. This ensures the quality and credibility of content presented at the symposium.
2. Professional Conference: Housing and Human Settlements
The Professional Conference invites presentations and case studies from housing practitioners, policymakers, architects, engineers, and urban planners. We are particularly interested in solutions that drive equitable, sustainable, and innovative outcomes in the African Diasporic context, including but not limited to:
- Public-Private Partnerships for Affordable Housing
- Creative Placemaking in Urban Renewal and Rural Development
- Artisans and Crafts in Sustainable Housing
- Indigenous and Local Design Principles for Urban and Rural Spaces
- Cultural and Historical Preservation through Art
- Innovations in Construction Materials and Techniques
- Smart City Technologies and Housing
- Legal and Policy Frameworks for Inclusive Urban and Rural Development
- Resilient Communities: Case Studies and Best Practices
- Financing Models for Sustainable Housing Projects
Submission Guidelines:
Presentation Abstract: Up to 300 words that must address the following:
- Relevance: Clearly state how your presentation aligns with one or more of the conference themes: sustainability, equity, and innovation.
- Objectives: Provide an outline of the specific objectives of your presentation, including what the audience will learn or take away.
- Case Study or Practical Application: Include a brief description of any case studies, real-world applications, or evidence supporting your approach.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Highlight any partnerships or collaborations between the public and private sectors or with NGOs and community organizations.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Practical Applicability (35%): How well does the presentation offer practical, real-world solutions that can be implemented in housing or human settlement projects?
- Innovation (25%): Does the presentation introduce novel ideas, technologies, or approaches to addressing urban challenges?
- Relevance to Conference Themes (20%): Does the presentation clearly align with the themes of sustainability, equity, and innovation?
- Engagement and Interaction (10%): Does the presentation include methods for engaging the audience (e.g., workshops, Q&A, demonstrations)?
- Cross-Sector Collaboration (10%): Are there collaborations between different sectors (e.g., public-private partnerships, community organizations, NGOs)?
Required Documents:
- Presenter CV/Bio: A brief professional biography (150-200 words) Please include your relevant experience.
- Project Details (if applicable): Provide a short summary of previous projects or initiatives relevant to your presentation.
- Key Discussion Points: Submit a one-page outline detailing the structure of your session, including the main topics to be covered and how you will engage the audience (e.g., interactive discussions, Q&A sessions).
Review Process:
In our commitment to upholding the integrity of academia, we employ a double peer review process to rigorously evaluate all submissions. This ensures the quality and credibility of content presented at the symposium.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Symposium/Exposition Dates: June 9-13, 2025
SYMPOSIUM SUBMISSION DEADLINES
- Submission of Abstracts: No later than 11 November 2024
- Submission Platform: EasyChair - EasyChair is a web-based conference management software system. Click the link below to submit your abstract. https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=paspac2024
- Notification of Decision on Abstracts: 16 December 2024
- Full Paper Submission: 20 January 2025
- Notification of Decision on Full Papers: 24 February 2025
- Final Paper Submission: 17 March 2025
- Symposium Registration Opens: 1 March 2025
PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE SUBMISSION DEADLINES
- Submission of Presentation Summary 11 November 2024
- Include one or more of the Exposition Themes of Sustainability, Equity, and Innovation in the title
- Submission Platform: EasyChair - EasyChair is a web-based conference management software system. Click the link below to submit your abstract. https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=paspac2024
- Notification of Decision on Presentation Summaries: 16 December 2024
- Draft Presentation Submission: 20 January 2025
- Notification of Decision on Presentations: 24 February 2025
- Final Presentations Submission: 17 March 2025
- Exposition Registration Opens: 1 March 2025
Publication Opportunities:
Accepted academic papers may be published Online Open Access on International Journal of Environmental Management and Safety, Nigeria or Town and Regional Planning Journal, University of Free State. The Work will be sent to multiple indexing services, including Frontiers Media, Elsevier (Scopus, Compendex and EI) and Clarivate Analytics, Formerly the IP & Science business of Thomson Reuters (Web of Science). Both Elsevier and Clarivate Analytics have a review process prior to acceptance.
Full Registration Details:
|
Presenters\ Collaborative Members |
$300 |
|
Participants |
$500 (Early Bird before May 1, 2025 - $350.) |
|
Daily Registration |
200.00 (Early Bird before May 1, 2025 - $150.00 |
|
Students\ Retired Professionals\ Spouses |
$75 |
We look forward to your contributions and to advancing the dialogue on sustainability, equity, and innovation in African Diaspora housing and human settlement development.
General Inquiries: usafricacollaboration@gmail.com
Conclusion:
We encourage all potential contributors to submit their work and be a part of this exciting event. Your research, presentations, and posters will contribute to the vibrant discussions at the 2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition. Together, let us explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of African urban and rural development.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the submission process. We look forward to your valuable contributions!
2025 Pan African City Symposium and Exposition
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb
https://usafricacollaborative.org