The issue of forced displacement has become one of global significance. New and protracted armed conflicts in several parts of the world and a greater impact of climate change, have led to the displacement of more than 120 million people. Forcibly displaced persons often migrate through several countries on their journey to presumed (or perceived) safety. The path these people are forced to take – traversing countries and regions – is broadly referred to as a migration corridor.
Migration corridors are an important issue in Africa as well, but have only gotten limited attention in the NGO or academic sectors. Forcibly displaced persons in Africa migrate not only north to the EU, but also west, east, and south in the continent in complex journeys. These journeys are shaped by access to technology, engagement with the community and availability or denial of healthcare services. Despite their significance, emerging technologies, community support and health systems along these corridors remain largely unexplored despite their significant impacts on human dignity and well-being.
The Center on Forced Displacement at Boston University, the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study and the Schooner Foundation are pleased to announce their second annual workshop, focusing on the intersection of technology, community support and healthcare. In the inaugural year, we focused on healthcare access along migration corridors in Africa and for this year we want to build on that conversation and focus on the role of technology and community support.
We envision the workshop to have two parts. The first part will be open to the public and will have panels focusing on the current challenges, issues and potential solutions with policy experts, members with lived experiences and community partners. The second will be an in-depth workshop bringing together scholars, practitioners, artists, policy experts and those with lived experience. This second part will be an invitation only event with an aim of candid and open discussion that will lead to new ideas in research, scholarship, practice and impact on the ground. The Center on Forced Displacement has prior experience with this workshop model that has resulted in publications, education and research opportunities, and global engagement. Given the long history of STIAS in bringing diverse attendees, the commitment of Schooner foundation to health, well-being and economic empowerment in communities in Africa, and the focused research of Center on Forced Displacement, we believe that this workshop will advance our collaboration, engaged and informed research, and impact on the ground. In addition to publications that came out of the 2025 workshop, we also envision that this 2026 workshop will lead to publications, essays, and reflections that will lay the foundation of visiting fellowships and engagement programs at CFD and STIAS with a focus on migration corridors in Africa.
