Women University Mardan Hosts 3-Day International Conference “FutureCon-2026”
Mardan: Women University Mardan successfully 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 conference, held in collaboration with COMSTECH, HEC, SAMSONS, PASTIC, The Bank of Khyber, and AWKUM, featured over 40 research papers, poster presentations, and an art exhibition organized by AWKUM’s Department of Art and Design.
Held under the Patron-in-Chiefship of Professor Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor, the event was coordinated by Dr. Hina Jabeen, Dr. Rashida Perveen, Dr. Nelofer Ikram, and Dr. Ambreen Ayub. The conference commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor, who highlighted the importance of education, reading, and skill development for nurturing future leadership.
The opening session set the intellectual direction of the conference by emphasizing Scientific Frontiers and Society 2050, highlighting the role of emerging scientific advances in shaping societies by mid-century. The conference provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and global collaboration, connecting research, innovation, and policy to address global challenges and advance a sustainable, inclusive future.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Professor Dr. Manzoor Hussain Soomro and Professor Dr. Farhat Jabeen, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, GCU Faisalabad. Additionally, Dr. Zoltan Kelemen from the Department of International Relations, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary, presented a lecture titled “Democratic Backsliding and Neomedievalism: A Longue Durée Explanation of Sovereignism in East-Central Europe.”
The Guest of Honour, Professor Dr. Rasool Jan, former Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, praised the organizers and emphasized the need to address global challenges such as climate change, food, and water security, while highlighting the evolving role of educators in the era of artificial intelligence. Professor Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman, Vice Chancellor, University of Haripur, also attended the event.
Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with the University of Haripur, AWKUM Department of Food Science and Technology, Urdu Science Board, and Innovative Advisory, promoting academic and research collaboration.
On the sidelines, the Central Library, Women University Mardan, hosted a two-day Book Fair, inaugurated by Professor Dr. Razia Sultana, along with Professor Dr. Rasool Jan and Professor Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman, reflecting the University’s commitment to scholarship and fostering 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 connection between research, policy, and societal transformation.
