WELCOME TO THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
Advancing Politics and Governance
For Sustainable Development
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Theme: “Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa”
21 – 23
October 2025
Date
Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt
Host & Venue
Hybrid
(In-person & Virtual)
Mode
Source: Portharcourtblog In a bold move that’s already buzzing across Rivers State, the newly established Centre for Politics at the University of …
About the Conference
Politics and governance of natural resources are two topical issues of enormous concern to scholars, policymakers and civil society.
Africa’s share of natural resources is extensive. Many have wondered why these resources have not pushed the continent beyond its present difficulties. Critics argue that resource endowments have not translated into development. Thus, this conference aims at providing scholars, policymakers and the civil society an appropriate platform to shared ideas and research findings on the link between politics, resource governance and sustainable development in Africa.
Conference Sub-Themes
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Political Governance
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Decolonising Governance through Local Content
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Energy Governance & Policy Outcomes
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Ecological Governance for Sustainable Development
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Human Capital & Indigenous Entrepreneurship Models
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Network Governance & Economic Empowerment (Youth, Women, PLWD)
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Security Imperatives for Resource Management
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Legal Governance & Dispute Resolution
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Case Studies on Resource Endowment
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Gender and Development
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Federalism & Intergovernmental Relations
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Social Movements and Resource Governance
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
Provide a multidisciplinary forum for dialogue and debate.
Explore models of governance that can enhance resource management.
Connect scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
Inspire actionable strategies for sustainable development.
WHY ATTEND
The 1st International Conference on Advancing Politics & Governance for Sustainable Development is more than just an academic gathering it is a platform for policy-shaping conversations, networking, and impactful research exchange.
By attending, you will:
Engage with leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa and beyond.
Contribute your ideas and research on politics, governance, and sustainable development.
Network with academics, government representatives, civil society actors, and postgraduate researchers.
Present your work, receive feedback, and explore publication opportunities.
Experience the cultural and academic richness of the University of Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta.
Whether you are joining in-person or virtually, this is your opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue that will help reorient politics and governance towards Africa’s sustainable future.
Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill
9th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt
Chief Host
Dr. Alex Otti, OFR
Governor of Abia State
Special Guest of Honour
Prince Tonye Princewill
Chairperson of Conference & Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Uniport Alumni
Special Guest
Prof. Fidelis Allen
Director, Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt
Co-Chair of the International Conference
Prof. C. A. Gbanador
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt
Senator Darlington Nwokocha
President, UniPort Alumni
Special Guest
Prof. Siphamandla Zondi
Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Darren Kew
Dean, Kroc School of Peace Studies, University of San Diego, United States of America
Guest Speaker
Prof. Isioma ILE
Visiting Professor, Centre for Politics / Professor, University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Co-chair of the International Conference
HON. (CHIEF) FREDERICK YEITIEMONE AGBEDI, Ph. D
Honourable Member Representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State in the House of Representatives
Guest Speaker
DR. Samuel Ogbuku
MD/CEO, NDDC
Guest Speaker
RT. Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule
Rt. Honourable Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly
Keynote Speaker
Register for the Conference
Registration Categories
Be part of the 1st International Conference on Advancing Politics & Governance for Sustainable Development, happening 21–23 October 2025 at the University of Port Harcourt (with hybrid participation).
₦25,000 ($150)
In-person attendees
₦20,000 ($75)
Virtual attendees
₦15,000 ($50)
Postgraduate students
₦10,000 ($10)
UniPort group discounted rate
Call for Abstracts
The Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt invites scholars, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the 1st International Conference on Advancing Politics & Governance for Sustainable Development.
We welcome original research, policy papers, and case studies that engage critically with the conference theme:
“Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa.
Trusted Hands Behind this Conference
Our Great Sponsor(s)
Meet the Local Organizing Committee
