AMEPPA Annual Conference 2026
Public Policy and Administration in Times of Global Uncertainty: Rethinking Governance
26–27 November 2026
The American University in Cairo (AUC) – Moataz Al Alfi Hall

The contemporary global landscape is increasingly defined by uncertainty, complex, 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 (Association for Middle Eastern Public Policy and Administration) Annual Conference, held in partnership with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and the China-Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (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 building 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

This track examines how governments and public institutions respond to political, social, economic, environmental uncertainty.

- 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 interorganization 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

Submission Timeline

Deadline for submitting abstracts and panel proposals: September 22, 2026
Notification of acceptance: September 30, 2026
Deadline for submitting full papers: October 30, 2026

Please submit your abstracts and panel proposals to: AMEPPAconference@aucegypt.edu

Registration Fee: Free of charge

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