RGU academic chairs conference to explore a migrants’ journey
A global research conference on international migration takes place next June. The 4th global Border Urbanism Conference will be hosted by FH Joanneum, the University of Applied Science in Austria, and convened by Mag Karen Meixner and Dr Iris Altenberger from the School of Law and Social Sciences at RGU. Dr Quazi Zaman, Chair of the Border Urbanisim Research Centre (BURC), explains more.
In a globalising world challenged by displacement, migration, and spatial and social disorder, including the fragility of shelters and disruptive societies, intellectual communities must connect to deal with these global problems. The subject of border urbanism reminds us of the current condition of war and aggression across the world and the knock-on effects that this has on populations that cause them to be displaced and forced to migrate, often against their will.
On a global scale, migrant emergencies have reached a level of intensity that is as alarming as the climate emergency. They present various trajectories of journeys and drivers. The urban and human geography of the displaced people, which is not easy to comprehend, is a pressing issue. The act of setting foot wherever they find safety and shelter, away from threats, often leads to permanent displacement, tearing apart generations of familiar places, cultures, and means of livelihood. This urgent situation underscores the importance of the BURC conference.
The fourth BURC conference will bring together architects, urbanists, and social scientists from across the globe to analyse and explain international migration and reflect on the particular economic arrangements, social institutions, technology, demography, and politics surrounding migration. It will build on the success of the inaugural conference held at RGU in 2018 and later at Malaga University in 2018.
The 4th BURC conference will centre around four themes, which include:
- Theme 1: Social and Spatial fragmentation of migrant community
- Theme 2: Spatial Injustice and Contested Urbanism of Migrants
- Theme 3: Non-place and Empty geography
- Theme 4: Mapping Policies and Jurisdiction on Managing Migrants
We are glad to announce that outstanding researchers and ex-public service personnel have recently joined the global initiative BURC, reinforcing its current research activities and future planned research funding applications. Amongst them is David Neal, who served as the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration from March 2021 until February 2024. He led the Royal Military Police through significant reforms, including the Service Justice System Review. From 2015 to 2016, he was the senior Military Police and Gendarmerie officer in NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. In addition, Dr Peter Peter William Walsh, Senior Researcher at the Migration Observatory, University of Oxford, has joined BURC to strengthen the upcoming research applications and as a keynote speaker.
We are also pleased to see new members joining BURC to strengthen this global collaboration in research applications and future conferences. Eminent Prof. of Architecture and Urbanism. Advisor, Qatar Urban Planning. ISOCARP Board Member will be our new addition as the Gulf Country Director. Professor Ali will be one of the keynote speakers at the 2025 Graz Conference.
We are now inviting global scholars to send abstracts of no more than 300 words on the thematic areas addressing the various relevant issues on migration and its narratives. Abstracts should be sent to Dr Quazi Zaman, Chair of BURC, on or before 20 January 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
The 4th Border Urbanism Conference 2024 Socio-spatial Narratives of Migrants’ Journey takes place from 27 – 30 June.
Image copyright Julie Ricard, Unsplash
