UEW Social Science Conference Ends with Call for Research to Drive Sustainable Solutions
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) concluded the 8th Biennial Social Science Conference with a renewed call on academics, policymakers and development practitioners to move research beyond scholarly discussions and translate knowledge into practical solutions for global challenges.
Held from Wednesday, 24th to Thursday, 25th June, 2026, at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre, the conference brought together researchers, academics, policymakers, industry players and students from Ghana and beyond to deliberate on sustainable development pathways. It was under the theme: “Bringing the Gown to Town: Seeking Sustainable Development in a Polarised World.”
The two-day conference, jointly organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences Education (FSSE) and the Faculty of Liberal and Social Studies Education (FLSSE), provided a platform for participants to examine critical issues, including political polarisation, economic inequalities and social divisions affecting societies globally.
At the closing ceremony, Prof. Lucy Effeh Attom, the Dean of FLSSE, commended participants for their commitment and meaningful contributions throughout the conference. She noted that the discussions had generated valuable insights that could inform efforts to create more inclusive and sustainable communities.
Prof. Lucy Attom encouraged participants to sustain the conversations beyond the conference. She stressed that addressing global divisions requires continuous collaboration, shared responsibility and collective action.
“The commitment shown by participants throughout the conference demonstrates how important these conversations are to us as scholars and citizens. We hope that the ideas, research findings and experiences shared during these two days will serve as a foundation for improving our world,” she stated.
Prof. Anselm Komla Abotsi, the Dean of FSSE, described the conference as a significant milestone in its 16-year history, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and societal needs.
He explained that the conference was established to ensure that research contributes directly to solving real-world challenges. He added that the presentations, panel discussions and plenary sessions generated evidence-based recommendations for sustainable development.
“We acknowledged from the outset that we live in a deeply fractured and polarised world and challenged ourselves to provide sustainable empirical solutions to these deficiencies. Looking back at the robust discussions and vibrant debates that took place throughout the conference, I can confidently say that we have risen to that challenge,” Prof. Abotsi said.
He urged participants to ensure that the outcomes of the conference translate into meaningful action, emphasising that the relevance of academic research lies in its ability to influence policies, improve communities and address societal challenges.
“The gown cannot return to its comfortable isolation. Communities, policymakers and citizens are waiting for the practical application of the ideas and recommendations that have emerged from this conference. Let us transform the networks, collaborations and interdisciplinary frameworks built over the last two days into policies and actions that heal our polarised communities,” he added.
Prof. Abotsi expressed appreciation to UEW Management, keynote speakers, facilitators, presenters and the Conference Organising Committee for their contributions towards the success of the event.
The conference ended with the presentation of awards to outstanding students and recognition of lecturers, deans, directors and administrators for their dedication to academic excellence.
The successful organisation of the 8th Biennial Social Science Conference underscores UEW’s commitment to advancing impactful research, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting knowledge-driven solutions for national and global development.
