Call for Papers

AMEPPA Annual Conference 2026

Public Policy and Administration in Times of Global Uncertainty: Rethinking Governance

Date

 26–27 November 2026

Organizers

 Association for Middle Eastern Public Policy and Administration (AMEPPA)

Co-Organizers

 Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)

China-Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (CANSPAA)

Venue

 The American University in Cairo (AUC) – Moataz Al Alfi Hall, Cairo, Egypt

Deadline for submitting abstracts and panel proposals

 22 September 2026

Introduction

The contemporary global landscape is increasingly defined by uncertainty, complexity, and interconnected crises. Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, climate change, forced displacement, technological disruption, public health challenges, and widening social inequalities are placing unprecedented pressures on governments and public institutions. In this rapidly changing environment, traditional approaches to public policy and administration are increasingly being tested. Governments are expected to respond effectively to immediate crises while simultaneously addressing long-term challenges related to sustainable development, social inclusion, institutional resilience, and economic transformation.

This year's AMEPPA Annual Conference, held in partnership with NASPAA and CANSPAA, seeks to bring together scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and international partners to examine how public policy and administration can respond to these emerging challenges and how governance itself needs to be rethought in an increasingly uncertain world. The conference will explore how states and public institutions can strengthen their capacity to anticipate and respond to crises, maintain effective public services, promote sustainable and inclusive development, and build institutional resilience. Particular attention will be given to the experiences of the Middle East and other regions of the Global South, while recognizing the global dimensions of these challenges.

Conference Tracks

Track One: Public Policy and Administration in a Context of Global Instability

Governance responses to political, economic, and geopolitical shocks

• Public policy responses to global and regional crises

• Climate governance and environmental resilience

• Risk governance and crisis management

• Forced displacement, migration, and public policy

• Inequality, social protection, and inclusive governance

• Public administration and the management of complex crises

Track Two: Rethinking Governance for Sustainable and Inclusive Development

This track focuses on the institutional and administrative foundations required to pursue sustainable and inclusive development under conditions of uncertainty.

• Administrative capacity and institutional performance

• State capacity and institutional resilience

• Policy coherence and implementation

• Intergovernmental and interorganizational coordination

• Public sector reform and administrative innovation

• Adaptive and resilient governance systems

• Governance and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals

• Inclusive governance and sustainable development

• Public-private and civil society partnerships

Track Three: Digital Transformation and the Future of Public Administration

This track examines how technological transformation is reshaping public administration, governance, and the relationship between governments and citizens.

• Digital government and public sector modernization

• Artificial intelligence and public administration

• Data governance, transparency, and accountability

• Cybersecurity and emerging governance risks

• Digital inclusion and access to public services

• The future of public administration in an increasingly digital world

Submission Guidelines

Paper Abstracts: 300–500 words outlining the research question, methodology, findings, and contribution to the conference themes.

Panel Proposals: 500–600 words describing the panel theme, individual paper abstracts, and the panel's added value

Practitioner Insights: 200–300 words highlighting practical innovations, implementation challenges, and lessons learned

How to Submit Papers

Please email to:AMEPPAconference@aucegypt.edu

Important Dates

Deadline for submitting abstracts and panel proposals: 22 September 2026

Notification of acceptance: 30 September 2026

Deadline for submitting full papers: 30 October 2026

Registration Fee

Free of charge

Language

Although all proposals should be submitted in English, some panel proposals may be accepted for presentation in Arabic.

For Enquiries

Email: AMEPPAconference@aucegypt.edu

Organizer: Association for Middle Eastern Public Policy and Administration (AMEPPA)

Venue: The American University in Cairo (AUC) – Moataz Al Alfi Hall, Cairo, Egypt