2nd - 4th July 2026
Conference theme:
Rethinking Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in a Transforming World: Reflections, Solutions and Innovations in Africa
Publication partnerships of EDI 2026
The European Management Review and Equality, Diversity, Inclusion: An International Journal is associated with this conference. Outstanding, pre-selected papers for the conference will be submitted to these journals, which will then process them according to their usual standards.
Deadlines of stream proposals and workshops
Stream and workshop proposals should be submitted to the conference chairs at i.driba.ced@uca.ac.ma ,
mustafa.ozbilgin@brunel.ac.uk, and admin@orgics.org by 30th January 2026.
Decisions regarding streams/workshops and the launch of the call for papers will be made by 09th February 2026.
Please note that the abstracts and paper submissions will be open once the streams are published by 09th February 2026. Stream chairs will provide an indicative framework for processing papers for their streams.
Submissions to the conference may be long abstracts (5 pages minimum; length to be specified by stream and workshop chairs) or full papers by the 8th of May 2026. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and organised by stream chairs, with two referees for each paper. The deadline for authors to receive feedback about paper acceptance or rejection is 15th May 2026.
Each stream chair is also requested to submit a nomination for the best paper in their stream to i.driba.ced@uca.ac.ma and mustafa.ozbilgin@brunel.ac.uk no later than 28th May 2026.
Conference organisers and stream chairs have no influence on the review process of best papers submitted to partner journals. Publication decisions are made solely by the chief editor of the relevant journal and follow the journal’s review guidelines
19th Equality, Diversity and Inclusion International Conference
in partnership with Research Laboratory
New Management Practices “NPG”
Cadi Ayyad University
2nd - 4th July 2026, Marrakech, Morocco
Call for streams and workshops
Conference Theme:
Rethinking Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in a Transforming World: Reflections, Solutions and Innovations in Africa
The contemporary world is undergoing profound and rapid transformations of climatic, technological, economic, and socio-political dynamics that are reshaping human societies and institutions. From the accelerating pace of climate change and ecological disruption to the emergence of digital economies and AI-driven work models, to ongoing migrations, geopolitical realignments, and social justice movements, these global changes intersect in complex ways that redefine the meanings and practices of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
As global systems evolve, so too do the structures of privilege, inequality, and power that frame access to resources, opportunities, and participation. These changes challenge researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to reimagine inclusion and sustainability within the contexts of uncertainty, crisis, and interdependence.
Following the success of the 18th EDI Conference in Athens (2025), Cadi Ayyad University is honored to host the 19th Equality, Diversity and Inclusion International Conference (EDI 2026) in Marrakech, Morocco, from 2 to 4 July 2026 under the theme:
“Rethinking Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in a Transforming World: Reflections, Solutions and Innovations in Africa ”
This theme recognises Africa as a site of innovation, resilience, and transformative knowledge. It calls for fresh thinking on how EDI principles can respond to the continent’s intersecting challenges, from climate crisis and digital transitions to mobility, governance, and sustainable development.
This global gathering brings together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and organisations committed to advancing thought and practice in equality, diversity, and inclusion across sectors and societies. Rooted in Africa yet connected to international debates, the 2026 conference invites deep engagement with the pressing social, environmental, political, and technological challenges shaping our world today.
The EDI 2026 conference, therefore, invites scholars and practitioners to explore how global transformations influence equality, diversity, and inclusion across scales from the individual and organisational to the national, transnational, and planetary.
Conference Themes
- EDI approaches to climate resilience, ecological transitions, and sustainable development in African contexts
- Inclusive leadership and organisational transformation
- Gender equality, intersectionality, and community-driven change
- Diversity and decolonisation in education, research, and knowledge production
- Migration, mobility, and belonging in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape
- Digital inclusion, AI ethics, and the future of work
- Equity in global health, governance, and development policy
Aims of the Conference Theme
- To interrogate how global socio-economic, technological, and ecological transformations reshape the conditions for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- To explore the interconnections between sustainability, inclusion, and resilience.
- To understand the global dynamics of power, culture, and identity as they intersect with transnational flows of people, capital, and knowledge.
- To advance interdisciplinary and critical perspectives on how institutions, organisations, and communities respond to global shifts in work, governance, and human rights.
Indicative Questions and Streams
Global Work and the Future of Employment
- How are global economic and technological transformations (e.g., automation, platform economies, AI) influencing equality and inclusion in the workplace?
- How do shifting business models and labour markets affect marginalised identities and social mobility?
- What new frameworks of governance and policy are needed for inclusive global labour practices?
Climate Change, Environmental Justice, and Sustainability
- How do environmental transformations impact marginalized populations and regions?
- How can inclusive sustainability be achieved through global cooperation?
- What roles do indigenous and local knowledges play in fostering resilience and environmental equity?
Migration, Mobility, and Global Inequalities
- How do global displacement and migration patterns intersect with ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic inequalities?
- How are border regimes, citizenship policies, and transnational networks shaping the lived experiences of inclusion and exclusion?
Technology, Data, and Digital Inequality
- How do emerging technologies — including AI, machine learning, and digital platforms reproduce or disrupt inequality in organisations and societies?
- What ethical and regulatory frameworks are needed to promote equity in a data-driven world?
- How can digital inclusion initiatives empower underrepresented groups globally?
Cultural Change, Knowledge, and Identity
- How are globalization and intercultural exchange transforming conceptions of diversity, belonging, and representation?
- In what ways do educational and cultural institutions mediate global narratives of equity and justice?
- How can global academic and artistic collaborations strengthen inclusive and plural knowledge systems?
Governance, Policy, and Global Solidarity
- How are global governance institutions and local actors working to build inclusive and equitable systems?
- How can EDI be embedded within global development goals and international cooperation agendas?
- What models of collective action, solidarity, and advocacy are emerging in response to global inequality?
The conference welcomes other interdisciplinary themes and approaches to EDI beyond the above thematic focus.
Conference Streams and Format
The EDI 2026 conference in Marrakech welcomes submissions across these thematic streams and more. Academic papers, symposia, and workshops are encouraged to bridge disciplines and geographies, fostering dialogue across sociology, management, political science, environmental studies, gender and cultural studies, and digital ethics.
A Doctoral Colloquium will be held in parallel to the main conference to support early-career researchers. Detailed information on submission deadlines, formats, and registration will be available on the official EDI website.
Conference Venue
Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco, is one of North Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning, known for its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
