The Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Pakistan and the Department of Political Science at the University of Peshawar (UoP) are collaborating to organize the 8th International Summer School (ISS) on “Importance of Regional Connectivity in the Pakistan-Afghan Border Region with a Focus on Bilateral Dialogue & Challenges” from September 6-15, 2021 at the Bara Gali Campus of UoP.
In order to promote regional connectivity in the Pakistan-Afghanistan region, the International Summer School (ISS) intends to bring together young scholars from across the region with a view to understand the broader concept of regional connectivity in border region, with a focus on bilateral dialogue and challenges.
The ISS is initiated with the belief that social linkage and mutual understanding of respective needs and interests are a prerequisite for effective regional integration. The ISS intends to serve as a platform for facilitating a better understanding that will allow the creation of an environment fostering peace and cooperation in South and Central Asia.
Rationale
Regional integration both through formal regional organizations and platforms, such as the European Union (EU) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and through public engagement have played a crucial role for regional peace and development. Regional connectivity enhances economic cooperation and reduces insecurity.
Considering their geographical locations and political histories, Pakistan and Afghanistan serve as the bridge between South and Central Asian states. As evidenced by the examples of greater regional connectivity in Europe and elsewhere, promoting regional connectivity in the South Asian-Central Asian Region has the potential to advance economic development and peace for the entire region.
Approach
The approach of the program is interactive, and participants are expected to learn not only from the resource persons but also from each other by sharing their own experiences. Along with the academic sessions, visits to government and non-government institutions, group meals, cultural nights and sightseeing ventures are part of the program.
Participants of the ISS will also participate actively in the 10th HSF-UoP International Conference titled ‘The Importance of Regional Connectivity in the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Region’ that will take place immediately after the ISS (15-17 September 2021).
Eligibility
Students who are enrolled in the Bachelors or Master of Arts programs, can apply. Also open to M.Phil/PhD scholars, given the relevance of their work to the theme of the ISS.
How to Apply?
Interested Graduate and Undergraduate students from Pakistan, South and Central Asia should complete the online application form.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed via Skype.
Registration and Support
Participants will be provided transport, accommodation and food during the ISS. Selected participants are required to deposit a refundable registration fee of PKR 5,000/- (from Pakistan) and USD 50/- (from abroad), through wire transfer, upon acceptance of their application.
Deadline
Application Deadline: 25th July 2021
Selection interviews will be conducted by the project coordination team in the following weeks.
For Queries
Dr. Aamer Raza, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar summerschool(at)uop.edu.pk OR aameraza(at)uop.edu.pk
Note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in case the ISS cannot be conducted physically as planned, then it will be conducted online.