LAHORE: AAS-in-Asia 2026 concluded on Sunday at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), marking the successful conclusion of a three-day international academic gathering that brought more than 1,000 scholars and participants from over 37 countries to Pakistan.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the conference, themed "Centering Asia: Refiguring Connections, Recharting Futures," convened scholars, students, university leaders, and academics from 517 institutions, including some of the world's leading universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, University of Tokyo, and Harvard University. This event marked the first time AAS-in-Asia was hosted in Pakistan, adding to its history of previous locations in South Korea, Indonesia, Nepal, Japan, India, and Thailand.
The conference featured numerous panel sessions, workshops, roundtables, and cultural events across LUMS. Discussions explored themes such as Asia's transformation, global perspectives, democratic change, technology, artificial intelligence, ecologies, cities, infrastructure, gender, marginality, and cultural expression. Participants examined economic, political, and cultural transformations reshaping global debates and addressed issues like border disputes, climate disruption, and social justice.
The opening ceremony included addresses by LUMS Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema and President of the Association for Asian Studies Prof. Elora Shehabuddin. Dr. Cheema emphasized the significance of international scholarly engagement with Pakistan's academic and cultural landscape. Prof. Shehabuddin highlighted the conference's role in enriching academic conversations and fostering new collaborations.
Keynote speaker Dr. Adil Najam discussed climate change, describing it as an issue beyond environmental concerns, with implications for water, food, security, and governance. The conference facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration and provided opportunities for early-career scholars to develop research and professional connections.
Cultural activities included a calligraphy workshop and performances showcasing Lahore's heritage, crafts, cuisine, and music. The cultural programme concluded with a dance medley celebrating South Asia's traditions, bringing the conference to a close after a robust exchange of ideas and cultural perspectives.