World Applied Anthropology Congress (WAAC) 2025
Theme: Interwoven Worlds: Anthropology Engaging with the Global and Local Challenges of Climate Change and Migration
Organized by: Anthropological Association for Humankind (AAfH)
Hosted by: ICRISAT, Hyderabad
Dates: October 29–31, 2025

Introduction

The World Applied Anthropology Congress (WAAC) 2025, organized by the Anthropological Association for Humankind (AAfH) and hosted by ICRISAT, Hyderabad, brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in critical discussions on climate change, migration, and human adaptation. As a premier global event in applied anthropology, WAAC-2025 will explore the intersections of anthropology, sustainability, policy, and technology to develop actionable, interdisciplinary solutions for pressing global and local challenges.

Theme Overview: Interwoven Worlds

In an era of unprecedented environmental and social transformations, anthropology must actively engage with the complex dynamics of climate change and migration. These twin forces are reshaping economies, cultures, health systems, and governance structures worldwide. From rising sea levels displacing coastal populations to extreme weather patterns disrupting traditional livelihoods, climate-induced migration is an urgent and multifaceted challenge. This congress seeks to highlight how anthropological insights, methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaborations can contribute to resilience, adaptation, and equitable policy-making at global and local levels.

Key Objectives

• To critically examine the role of anthropology in understanding human responses to climate change and migration.
• To bridge the gap between academia, policy, and community-led initiatives in addressing environmental and social crises.
• To foster interdisciplinary collaboration among anthropologists, climate scientists, policymakers, and development practitioners.
• To promote sustainable and culturally sensitive solutions for displaced populations, indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups.
• To showcase best practices, case studies, and policy frameworks that integrate anthropological research into actionable strategies.

Sub-Themes

WAAC-2025 will explore a range of interdisciplinary perspectives through the following key sub-themes:

1.    Climate Change, Human Resilience, and Adaptation Strategies

o   Indigenous knowledge systems and environmental sustainability

o   Cultural resilience in the face of climate disasters

o   Policy frameworks for climate adaptation and mitigation

2.    Migration, Displacement, and Human Rights

o   Climate-induced migration and transnational mobility

o   Refugee crises and humanitarian interventions

o   Socioeconomic impacts of migration on host and home communities

3.    Sustainability, Development, and Governance

o   Ethical dimensions of climate policy and migration governance

o   Urbanization, resource management, and environmental justice

o   Community-led conservation and participatory decision-making

4.    Technological Innovations and Anthropological Applications

o   AI, big data, and digital anthropology in migration research

o   Climate forecasting, GIS mapping, and disaster preparedness

o   The role of social media in migration narratives and advocacy

5.    Health, Culture, and Well-being in a Changing World

o   Public health challenges in displaced and vulnerable populations

o   Cultural perceptions of environmental risks and adaptation strategies

o   Food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in climate-affected regions

Methodological Approaches

WAAC-2025 will emphasize diverse methodological approaches, including:

• Ethnographic and cross-cultural research to understand local realities and adaptive strategies.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations integrating anthropology with environmental science, public health, and technology.
• Community-driven participatory research that empowers local voices and stakeholders.
• Comparative case studies examining global trends in climate migration and policy responses.

Expected Outcomes

• Development of policy briefs and research publications to guide climate and migration policies.
• Strengthening of international collaborations and research networks for future interdisciplinary projects.
• Promotion of applied anthropological methods in addressing real-world sustainability challenges.
• Establishment of a long-term dialogue platform for scholars, policymakers, and community leaders.

Invitation to Scholars, Practitioners, and Policymakers

We invite researchers, policymakers, and professionals from anthropology, environmental sciences, sociology, political science, public health, economics, and allied disciplines to participate in WAAC-2025. This congress aims to create a space for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and strategic action to address the most pressing issues facing humanity today.

Conclusion

The World Applied Anthropology Congress 2025 serves as a global catalyst for transformative change, uniting the power of anthropology with interdisciplinary expertise to navigate the evolving challenges of climate change and migration. By fostering collaborative solutions, we strive to contribute to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

For further details on submissions, participation, and program schedules, please visit:
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Join us at WAAC-2025 and be part of the movement shaping the future of anthropology and human resilience!