Call for abstracts: Rethinking Global Aid - The Reset
Global aid is at a crossroads. Rising nationalism, colonial legacies, declining support for development assistance, and a shifting multilateral order are reshaping the foundations of international cooperation. This student-driven symposium will critically examine entrenched power dynamics, explore alternative models of development, and reimagine an aid system rooted in equity, reciprocity, and genuine partnerships. The event takes place on 27 November 2025 in Youth Democracy House, Copenhagen.
We ask: What should global aid look like in 2025 and beyond? Should today’s collapsing structures be rebuilt, or reimagined entirely?
Objectives:
- Provide critical insights into the current global aid landscape.
- Challenge international aid systems and their embedded power structures.
- Reimagine and propose alternative approaches that challenge existing paradigms and envision more equitable, effective and sustainable structures.
Programme:
The event will feature talks and panel discussions on the legacies and trajectories of global aid, including reflections on Denmark’s new Development and Africa Strategy. A poster fair will follow, where students, researchers, and practitioners, can share projects and insights in dialogue with stakeholders from the development sector and broader audiences engaged in global development.
The day concludes with informal networking, providing space for exchange with a myriad of actors from the development ecosystem, including policymakers, researchers, students, and practitioners. To ensure lasting impact, a collective reflection paper will capture the key themes, conversations, and contributions of the day outlining actionable ideas for rethinking global aid.
More detailed information on the programme, invited panel speakers and more will be published soon on the School of Global Health’s website and social media accounts.
Call for Abstracts
We invite students, researchers and practitioners to submit abstracts for poster presentations. Submissions are welcome at all levels—from bachelor’s theses and master’s projects to PhD research, grassroots initiatives, and practitioner reflections.
We invite abstract submissions addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:
- Shifts in the global aid landscape and the multilateral system
- Power, equity, and representation in global aid
- Alternative approaches and innovative practices in development cooperation
- Grassroots or community-led initiatives
Why submit?
- Showcase your work and help challenge entrenched narratives in the aid sector.
- Connect with peers, scholars, and professionals across all levels of the aid system.
- Be part of shaping a collective reflection that informs future practice.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts submitted should not exceed 300 words and must include: Title, author(s), institutional/organisation affiliation(s) and contact email. If applicable, please include a brief about the research’s background, method, results, and conclusion.
Submit by sending the above information to reset.aid@gmail.com before 19 October 2025.
Eligibility
Researchers at all career stages are encouraged to apply. Early career scholars and students are especially welcome.
Travel grants
Limited support may be available. Please contact us if travel costs are a barrier to participation.
Interested in joining the symposium as a guest?
You can join the symposium free of charge. Please register here.