On 12 -14 March 2020, the African Studies Group (ASG) at the University of Melbourne, Australia is hosting its inaugural conference on Borders, Identities and Belonging in a Cosmopolitan Society: Perspectives from African Migrants in the Diaspora. ASG is an association of researchers with interests in African studies. We provide an enabling platform for informative and supportive collegial discussions among researchers with a focus on Africa and African Diaspora. This conference is part of our ongoing effort of fostering a better understanding of, and connections with, African communities in the Diaspora.

The ​Borders, Identities and Belonging conference is organised around the following themes:

1. The Concept of Home: What and where is home? Where, when and how do we feel a sense of ‘belonging’?
2. Relevance of Borders: How do borders permeate our social lives?
3. Digital Transformation: How have digital communication platforms transformed the concepts and experiences of borders, identity and belonging?
4. Multiculturalism and Integration: What are the experiences and prospects of multiculturalism in increasing our sense of belonging and social integration?

The conference comprises of a masterclass, a public lecture, and academic and practitioners' panels.

Please note Thursday, 12 March will be a half day dedicated to a masterclass at 10:00am - 1:00pm; followed by a Public Lecture at 4:30pm - 6:00pm. More information about venues and speakers for these two events will be communicated later.

The conference program will be available in March.

Please let us know should you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Venue: Arts Hall (Room 222), Old Arts Building, College Cres, Parkville, VIC, 3052

This conference is supported by the African Engagement Platform, Scanlon Foundation, and the Melbourne Social Equity Institute.

Image: BBC World Service