Silk Roads Present and Future Conference

For millennia, the Silk Roads have served as conduits for the exchange of goods, ideas, technologies and beliefs across Eurasia and beyond.

In the twenty-first century, however, the importance of these connected regions is becoming ever more apparent: from the rise of Asia and the growing significance of Central Eurasia to the pressures created by climate change, demographic transformation and technological disruption, understanding the networks that link societies together has never been more important.

The future of global development, security and prosperity will depend in large measure on how these relationships evolve and on the ability of states, institutions and communities to respond to shared opportunities and common challenges.

This gathering brings together leading scholars, policymakers and practitioners to examine some of the most pressing issues shaping the world today. Discussions will focus on climate change and the environment, social development and human rights, critical minerals and resources, transport and digital connectivity, and the emergence of new patterns of geopolitical and economic power with an aim to exploring how to have an impact on national international and regional policy and on future collaborations.

At a time when assumptions about the international order are being tested and reconfigured, the conference aims to provide fresh perspectives on the changing dynamics
of the regions that have historically formed the heart of the Silk Roads and that are once again assuming growing global significance.

2.00pm  Landscapes, Water and Environmental Futures Across the Silk Roads

Speakers: Professor Richard Walker, Dr Abubakr Muhammad, Sophie Ibbotson

Moderator: Dr Katie Campbell

2.45pm  People, Borders and Identities Across the Silk Roads

Speakers: Dr Farhana Afrin Rahman, Kate Mallinson, Dr Diana Kudaibergenova (remote)

Moderator: Dr Angus Russell

3.30pm  Break

3.45pm  Presentation: The Silk Roads Virtual Museum

Presenter: Professor Richard Griffiths

4.00pm  Competition and Cooperation Across Eurasia

Speakers: Sir Laurie Bristow, Dr Nicole Grajewski, Maximillian Hess

Moderator: Professor Peter Frankopan

4.45pm  The Future of Connectivity: Ideas, Networks and the New Silk Roads

Speakers: Dr Yu Jie, Dr Montu Saxena, Dr Gillian Tett

Moderator: Professor Carrie Humphrey

5.30pm  Concluding remarks followed by Drinks

For a full agenda and list of speakers please see the document here 

Please join us in the Keynes Hall in King's College.