Abstracts are now being accepted for the International Rural Network Forum, “Development Dialogues and Dilemmas”.

Abstract submission has been extended to

June 15 th - 2009

The format of the forum will be a short keynote presentation session each morning followed by concurrent workshops with presentations and round-table discussion, panel sessions and papers.   There will also be facility for poster presentations and other displays particularly from NGOs of craft, theatre, film or other presentations. Practical workshops are also encouraged.

The forum therefore welcomes abstracts (excluding keynote presentations) for paper sessions and workshops on the following themes:

•           Adaptation and Transformation

•           Innovation and Sustainability

•           Leveraging Resources

•           Partnerships for Change

As with previous years within each theme we look particularly for a balance of representation from the following cross cutting sub-themes: health, education, economic development, IT and other relevant issues to Development, Dialogues and Dilemmas.

Format of Abstracts

1.   The conference language is English.

2.   Abstracts must include a problem statement, methods, major findings, and lessons learned.

3.   Please submit your abstract of less than 500 words in MS Word or a PDF document

4.   Indicate if your abstract is for a workshop, or paper session, poster or display

5.   If you require academic reviewing of your abstract then please indicate this.

6.   Abstracts must be submitted by email to abstractsforirn@gmail.com

7.   Abstracts should reach by June 15 th. 

8.   Selection of abstracts will be made and contributors notified.

9.   Accepted abstracts must submit their final presentations for workshops and paper sessions by 30 th June 2009. Guidelines for the formatting of presentations and papers will be sent to successful participants.

10.  If you intend or would like to lead a workshop session, please contact the organizers at abstractsforirn@gmail.com about this as soon as possible and supply an abstract for the session and an indication of presenters.

Please Note:

Strong preference will be given to abstracts which incorporate a practical ‘learning’ element.   Preference will also be given to joint presentations and workshop proposals involving both NGOs and researchers.  The organizers intend to accept more workshop style presentations and practitioner presentations than academic papers.  Academic presenters may like to look at joint presentations which cross different divides such as geographic or discipline.