The Eastern Arc Conference 2025

This year our conference will take place on 10 September at the University of Sussex, and will focus on ‘Sanctuary Solidarities’.

The Eastern Arc region has been shaped by migration and movement, and for centuries has offered refuge for those seeking sanctuary.

Never has this been more important — but also more challenging — than now. With the rise in far-right populism, violent conflict and the bolstering of borders, our conference this year will look at the part university staff and students can and should play in forging solidarities with those seeking sanctuary, but also at how they should participate in contested and increasingly polarised debates about migration.

As the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the Cities of Sanctuary movement celebrates its 20th, this conference is a timely opportunity to hear from a broad range of stakeholders from within our region and beyond, to learn from their experiences, and to encourage positive and creative conversations between speakers and groups with differing viewpoints.