Here is a call for abstracts for the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) 48th Annual Conference: “CSA at 50: Caribbean Development Sustainability—The Convergence of Technology, People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity & Partnerships.” The conference will take place from June 3rd to June 7th, 2024, in Saint Lucia. The deadline for submission of abstracts is January 31, 2024 (midnight, EST).
Description: Based on current global developments, the positioning of governments post Covid-19, stagnation of economies, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, reemergence of conflicts (war in Ukraine, Niger, Gaza) and in furtherance of the conversation around the Decade for People of African Descent, it is timely to expand the CSA’s influence in Caribbean policy dialogue. It is now seven years to the closure of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 Agenda. This presents an opportunity for CSA to consolidate, position and utilize its members’ expertise for Participatory Action Research on the various development issues that confront the Caribbean region and to propose evidence-based data to regional governments for policy making, legislation, intervention planning, wealth creation, monitoring and evaluation.
Caribbean Development is shaped by the region’s unique history, geography, and political economy. The Caribbean has a complex colonial legacy, marked by centuries of slavery and exploitation, which has had lasting effects on the region’s social and economic structures. Therefore, scholars and practitioners alike, must take into account the region’s historical and structural realities, as well as the need for inclusive and sustainable growth that promotes the well-being of all citizens, including marginalized and vulnerable communities.
Furthermore, it is envisaged that one of the overarching outcomes of the conference will be the formation of working group/s that will cooperate with CARICOM, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Organization of American States, United Nations Agencies, the African Union 6th Region Global Diaspora Caucus, and relevant hemispheric organizations, which represent the interests of small island developing states (SIDS) and sub-national island jurisdictions (SNIJs), as well as key bilateral, other multilateral organizations and the private and Civil Society sectors. This will open up avenues for multidimensional partnerships, resources mobilization, networking and exchange opportunities for CSA Scholars and local stakeholders.
Indicators such as economic growth, poverty reduction, increased access to education and healthcare, and improved environmental sustainability are often assessed to record progress of the region. Development in the Caribbean is closely linked to heterodox economics. Heterodox economics refers to alternative economic theories and approaches that challenge mainstream neoclassical economic assumptions that have dominated mainstream economic theory and policy, and instead emphasizes the importance of historical and social context, power relations, and institutional structures in shaping economic outcomes. In the Caribbean context, this means recognizing the region’s colonial legacy, structural constraints, and power imbalances, and developing appropriate policies and strategies that address these issues.
Against this backdrop, CSA invites scholars and practitioners to submit abstracts for panels, papers, workshops, round tables, film screenings, poster presentations, and related creative research presentations that explore the theme; CSA at 50: Caribbean Development Sustainability- The Convergence of Technology, People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity and Partnerships. As a multidisciplinary and multilingual Association, we welcome proposals in any regional language, that span the coverage of disciplines inter alia, science, economics, humanities, environment, international relations, culture, arts, history and geography, based on the following sub-themes:
- Technology: The enabling environment and interconnectedness which technology has the potential to foster, can accelerate progress and development in the Caribbean. With the onset of globalization, technology has facilitated innovations, creativity, inventions and access that have aided in overcoming and maneuvering traditional barriers which have had implications for the political economy of development.
- People: Development in the Caribbean context must prioritize the well-being and empowerment of all citizens and residents, regardless of their socio-economic status, gender, race, ethnicity, identity and abilities. This includes access to quality education, healthcare, housing, food, and other basic needs, as well as the ability to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Inclusive development of the Caribbean people regardless of their abilities or disabilities will ensure that no one is left behind.
- Prosperity: Economic growth is an important component of development, but prosperity also means inclusive and sustainable growth that benefits all citizens. This includes creating opportunities for decent work and entrepreneurship, reducing poverty and inequality, and promoting economic diversification and innovation.
- Planet: The Caribbean region is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, which threaten the long-term sustainability of the region’s development. Therefore, development in the Caribbean must also prioritize environmental sustainability, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting ecosystems, and promoting renewable energy.
- Peace: Development in the Caribbean context must also prioritize peace and security, including reducing violence, promoting social cohesion, and addressing the root causes of conflict. This includes addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and exclusion, which can contribute to social unrest and violence.
- Partnership: Finally, development in the Caribbean must also involve partnerships and collaboration, both within the region and with external partners. This includes promoting regional integration, building partnerships with civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and engaging with international organizations and donors to support development efforts in the region.
Further to the aforementioned sub-themes, with St. Lucia as our host country for CSA 2024 and the home country of renowned Nobel Laureates, Sir Arthur Lewis and Sir Derek Walcott, we especially welcome proposals which are able to explore their works and contributions, based on the Conference theme. Also, given our host country’s historical backdrop as Helen of the West Indies, to the present-day Saint Lucia, which gained sovereignty after 14 times tussles over the island by colonialists, we invite panels and round tables that explore the role of women in peace and sustaining Saint Lucia’s development.
Abstract Submission Guidelines: CSA Members are to submit all proposals online via the CSA’s website https://www.caribbeanstudiesassociation.org (no emails). The abstract submission deadline for CSA 2024 is 31st January 2024. Accepted presenters will be notified by 29th February 2024.
For detailed guidelines and more information, see https://www.eventsforce.net/csa/frontend/reg/thome.csp?pageID=59922&ef_sel_menu=220&eventID=17 and https://www.caribbeanstudiesassociation.org/
[Photo above by SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY: Saint Lucia with Petit Piton in the distance. See https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammorganstern/2022/02/25/10-amazing-experiences-to-have-in-saint-lucia-besides-getting-married/?sh=2efc98b2154a.]
Here is a call for abstracts for the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) 48th Annual Conference: “CSA at 50: Caribbean Development Sustainability—The Convergence of Technology, People, Planet, Peace, Prosperity & Partnerships.” The conference will take place from June 3rd to June 7th, 2024, in Saint Lucia. The deadline for submission of abstracts is January 31, 2024
