A number of Side events and Special Interest Groups will take place during the conference. See descriptions and abstracts below.
Facilitators: Shahnaaz Suffla, Nick Malherbe, and Umesh Bawa
Time/duration: 2 hours
Coloniality is what survives colonialism, it is what brings the lands, lives, energies, and minds of colonised populations into capitalism’s death-bound circuits of profit-making. Composite of coloniality’s totalising purview is the knowledge economy. Coloniality’s knowledge economies are premised on invading the indigenous knowledge systems of the colonised. Indeed, coloniality seeks legitimation by diminishing, destroying, and degrading indigenous knowledge systems, while simultaneously cheapening and erasing the holders and stewards of these systems. Those taking up the decolonial option have never accepted this and have always refused coloniality’s asphyxiating grip over knowledge. In this roundtable discussion, we consider what it means for those concerned with knowledge economies to enter into the expansive, networked tradition of decolonial refusal, a tradition that pivots on collective resistance and freedom dreams – on concurrent negations and creations. As Frantz Fanon put it, decolonial refusal signifies a “Yes to life. Yes to love. Yes to generosity” paired with a “No to scorn … No to degradation … No to exploitation …”. Decolonial refusal does not, however, survive in isolation. It expands, coheres, and attains nourishment through other refusals. As such, we will offer historical and contemporary examples of how activists from our own context, South Africa, have sought to refuse coloniality’s knowledge economies, while connecting these decolonial refusals with those taking place in Palestine, the Americas, and Oceania, among others.
The roundtable discussion will invite participants to share their experiences of coloniality’s knowledge economies, reflect on what it means to refuse these economies, and collectively explore how we might infuse decolonial refusal with a necessary internationalist orientation.
Time/duration: 2 hours
Film workshop at SANORD 2025, convened by Katrine Pahuus and Christian Suhr (Aarhus University)
In this workshop we wish to explore the possibilities of cross-cultural film collaboration through three examples: "Proof of Work” a forthcoming documentary by Steffen Köhn and Samwel Moses Ntapanta (Kenya, Forthcoming); "Creative Women in Lagos”, a collaborative documentary by Lauren England, Eka Ikpe, and Roberta Comunian; and the ethnographic documentary “Light upon light” (Christian Suhr and Hala Lotfy, Egypt–Denmark 2022).
Whether we want it or not, making images is almost inevitably an act of coproduction between people behind and in front of the camera and the relationships between them is directly or indirectly made visible by the camera. As Taylor (1996:79) points out, film recordings “bear the scars of the encounters that produced them”. The modes of collaboration involved in the arrangements before recordings take place and in postproduction after filming also play a decisive role in the outcome. Film recordings are in this sense both the result of, a mirror, and a co-creator of the relationships that are involved in their emergence. This aspect of filmmaking can be used productively as a kaleidoscopic stage for collectively exploring and facilitating new perspectives on collaboration across social, cultural, political, and disciplinary differences.
Further information about the films below:
"Proof of Work"
Discussion of rough cut of forthcoming film produced in collaboration between Samwel Moses Ntapanta and Steffen Köhn
"Proof of Work" is a vivid, on-the-ground portrait of Nairobi’s Bitcoin maximalists. Blending street-level documentary with intimate storytelling, the film follows a group of Bitcoiners as they build grassroots crypto networks in Kenya’s capital. Their “proof of work” is not just digital mining but the daily labor of teaching, organizing, and sustaining an alternative financial future from the margins.
"Creative Women in Lagos”
Produced by Dr Lauren England, Dr Eka Ikpe, and Professor Roberta Comunian
"Creative Women in Lagos" is a collaborative research and impact project that unveils the untold stories of dynamic women who have played pivotal roles in shaping the artistic landscape of Lagos, Nigeria. From the bustling streets to the heart of creative spaces, this film is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the power of women in the arts. Produced by Dr Lauren England, Dr Eka Ikpe, and Professor Roberta Comunian of King’s College London, this documentary is a result of collaborative, interdisciplinary research, and a passion for showcasing the cultural richness of Lagos. It goes beyond the surface to provide an understanding of the forces that can both drive and inhibit creativity in this vibrant city, highlighting women’s experiences. In collaboration with esteemed partners such as Ituen Basi, Terra Kulture, Tribe XX Lab, and Wy Art Foundation, and support from the renowned Nike Art Centre, "Creative Women in Lagos" brings together the collective efforts of visionaries and institutions dedicated to nurturing and promoting creativity in Lagos.
“Light upon light”
Ethnographic documentary — Egypt, Denmark, Hassala Films, 2022 — Directed by Christian Suhr — Produced by Hala Lotfy — Trailer: https://vimeo.com/680959384
A fieldtrip into the mystical traditions of Islam exploring people's search for light at a time of darkness and political tension in post revolutionary Egypt. Sonia sees light streaming into her heart from a person’s finger. Aya is lifted into a luminous space in the midst of a ritual. Maher travels to the shrine of a holy man to find out if the light and love that people are referring to is real. Meanwhile the film crew, Muhammad, Amira, and Christian tries to find out how they can film these experiences of light and how there can be so much light and darkness in this world and inside themselves.
In the session at SANORD, we will show and discuss excerpts of this film collaboration and our new project about experiences and the cultivation of love, also produced by the Hassala Film Collective and funded by the Heart Openings Research Project (ERC-STG).
Facilitator: Open discussion facilitated by CISU- Civil Society in Development on political paradoxes for application of knowledge based development
Time/duration: 2 hours
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are increasingly through locally led partnerships engaging themselves in knowledge based development - often with inputs from research institutions.
When applying knowledge into action the CSOs, however, often experience that the context for development collaboration is increasingly being politicized.
Globally we see strong trends on shrinking space for civil society which in a growing number of countries make it difficult to for organisations to operate or even to exist.
In the majority world we see strong voices such as #shiftthepower movement calling for decolonialization of the development collaboration system.
At the same time we see the western countries not only reducing their budget for development collaboration but also increasingly using national political agendas for allocation of development funds.
These trends are major paradoxes for converting knowledge into development efforts.
Based on a focused introduction by Mr. Jeef Bech, Executive Director of CISU there will be an open discussion on how to navigate and deal with these trends of politicization of knowledge based development.
CISU – Civil Society in Development - is an umbrella organization with more than 300 Danish CSOs as members working in close partnerships with CSOs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. CISU is presently globally funding more than 550 projects
Facilitators: Head of The Kitchen, Aarhus University Jeppe Dørup Olesen & Head of Toolbox, Vegar Ausrød
Time/duration: 3 hours
The Kitchen – the biggest startup hub in Aarhus is Aarhus University’s Innovation Hub, hosting more than 350 company cases across all academic fields. In this talk, we will present how The Kitchen supports students and researchers in developing new products, solutions, and strong business ideas.
Following that we will do an interactive workshop and you get to test your entrepreneurial mindset and the key conditions for being an entrepreneur, and illustrate the importance of a user-centric approach to analyzing user / market needs and developing the right solutions.
Facilitators: Annette Skovsted Hansen, Ana Paulla Braga Mattos, Thomas Brandt Fibiger Vivek Shukla Kumar, and colleagues from Global Studies at AU
Time/duration: 2 hours
Our booth is designed to spark engaging and thought-provoking discussions by showcasing a diverse collection of artefacts that illuminate the evolving relationships between African countries and global powers— India, Brazil, China, Japan, and Russia. Through a carefully curated selection of film clips, books, posters, photographs, and interactive displays, the booth explores the multifaceted dimensions of these connections, inviting visitors to reflect on the meaning and implications of shifting global perspectives.
We would cover a wide array of themes, including official development assistance, historical ties, cultural exchanges, and multilingualism, as well as geopolitics, trade networks, and shipping routes. The themes highlight collaborative initiatives, mutual perceptions, and the mirroring of cultural and societal images between African and other nations. Additionally, a rich selection of literature provides deeper insights into the shared histories, contemporary dynamics, and future possibilities of these relationships. By presenting these diverse materials, the booth aims to foster dialogue about the complexities and opportunities of cross-continental partnerships in an interconnected world.
Facilitators: Dr Umesh Bawa, University of Western Cape and Wesley Maraire, University of Bergen
Time/duration: TBA
This Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting builds on the June 2025 webinar “Rethinking Research Partnerships—Perspectives on Research and Project Administration in a North–South Collaboration Context”, which explored the dynamics of equitable research partnerships. Co-chaired by Wesley Maraire and Umesh Bawa, the SIG aims to deepen the conversation around transformative collaboration, mutual respect, and inclusive research ecosystems, particularly in the context of Africa and the Global South.
The meeting will revisit key themes from the webinar, including the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations, the role of language and funding structures, and the importance of centring dignity and respect in partnerships. Participants will engage in critical discussions on how to move forward with collaborative efforts that support the SDGs through equitable and decolonial research practices.
Opening & Context
● Welcome by co-chairs Wesley Maraire and Umesh Bawa.
● A brief reference to the June webinar as the starting point of this ongoing dialogue.
● Emphasis on the SIG as a space to build new connections and deepen the conversation.
Transformative Research Collaborations
● Discussion on principles for equitable and respectful partnerships.
● Reflections on how these principles can guide SDG-related collaborations.
Language, Power, and Funding Structures
● Exploration of how language in funding proposals shapes collaboration.
● Discussion on shifting narratives from “capacity building” to “strengthening.”
● Consideration of how funding models can support or hinder equity.
Mutuality and Administrative Realities
● Challenges of balancing research and administrative roles.
● Strategies for fostering mutual collaboration despite hierarchical structures.
● Importance of long-term impact over short-term outputs.
Decolonisation and Indigenous Knowledge
● Addressing historical imbalances in research agendas.
● Highlighting innovation and expertise within African institutions.
● Opportunities to integrate indigenous knowledge systems meaningfully.
Next Steps and Collaborative Opportunities
● Identifying shared interests and potential joint initiatives.
● Exploring mechanisms for continued engagement within the SIG.
● Discussing how the SIG can support the Africa Charter on Equity in Research Collaboration and the SDG goals.
Facilitators: Jussi Jauhiainen
Time/duration: 12 August 2025, 13:00-18:00 (flexible ending time)
13:00-13:45: SIG Meeting. Updating about recent events, ideas about future.
13:45-14:00: Break
14:00-14:45: GenAI in innovation, technologies and education. General discussion and ideas, concrete cases.
14:45-15:00: Break
15:00-16:45: GenAI in education: Learning, assessment and feedback. On-line and on-site presentations from North and South, practical guidelines for the use of GenAI in education, workshop with hands on testing of the assessment and feedback platform TurkuEval.
16:45-17:00: Break
17:00-18:00: Free gathering and/or continuation of the workshop
Facilitators: Tholene Sodi (tholene.sodi@ul.ac.za)
Time/duration: TBA
Research evidence shows that mental health conditions often start during childhood and adolescence with half of these developing before the age of 18 years. Conducting research and implementing mental health interventions that target young people can help alleviate unnecessary suffering and promote optimal human development and stable communities. The aim of the PreHPare Special Interest Group (SIG) is to bring together researchers, mental health practitioners and other stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, and best practices pertaining to research and promotion of mental health in places of learning and development. In the context of this SIG, places of learning and development include early childhood development centres, primary schools, secondary schools, universities and other learning environments.
Key objectives
The SIG coordinating team at the University of Limpopo is encouraging anyone interested to join the group for future development of joint activities and projects and to contribute to the forum discussions.
This session will discuss how institutions may work to promote equal partnerships and responsible internationalisation, focusing om the role of administrators. It is an interactive session where participants will learn about the context in Southern Africa and the Nordic countries, be provided with examples of concrete tools, but also be given an opportunity to share experiences of institutional efforts in this area. The session is arranged by the SANORD Special Interest Group for International Managers and Key Adminstrators, and open to all interested in internationalisation of higher education and research. The session partly builds on the presentation “Equitable Partnerships Between Universities in the Global North and Global South: Challenges, Principles & Best Practices” from panel 1 on Wednesday
