By Khurshid Wahab
Women University Mardan organized a three-day international conference titled “The Future Reimagined: Innovation through Science, Social Science and Global Collaboration (FutureCon-2026)”, bringing together scholars, researchers, and academic leaders from Pakistan and abroad.
The event, held in collaboration with COMSTECH, HEC, SAMSONS, PASTIC, The Bank of Khyber, and AWKUM, featured more than 40 research papers, poster presentations, and an art exhibition by AWKUM’s Department of Art and Design. The conference aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and global collaboration, connecting research, innovation, and policy to address pressing challenges and envision a sustainable future.
Led under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Razia Sultana, the conference was coordinated by Dr. Hina Jabeen, Dr. Rashida Perveen, Dr. Nelofer Ikram, and Dr. Ambreen Ayub. The opening session emphasized “Scientific Frontiers and Society 2050,” highlighting the role of emerging scientific advances in shaping societies by mid-century.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro and Professor Dr. Farhat Jabeen of GCU Faisalabad. Dr. Zoltan Kelemen from Corvinus University of Budapest presented on democratic backsliding and sovereignism in East-Central Europe. Guest of Honour Professor Dr. Rasool Jan, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, praised the organizers and stressed the importance of addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and water scarcity, while noting the evolving role of educators in the age of artificial intelligence. Professor Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Vice Chancellor of the University of Haripur, also attended.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the University of Haripur, AWKUM’s Department of Food Science and Technology, the Urdu Science Board, and Innovative Advisory, strengthening academic and research collaboration. Alongside the conference, the Central Library hosted a two-day book fair inaugurated by Professor Dr. Razia Sultana, Professor Dr. Rasool Jan, and Professor Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman, reflecting the university’s commitment to scholarship and promoting a reading culture.
FutureCon-2026 reaffirmed Women University Mardan’s dedication to academic excellence, societal development, and global collaboration, focusing on reimagining the future through interdisciplinary innovation and emphasizing the critical link between research, policy, and social transformation.
