Hybrid / Virtual Participation
In-person attendance is the primary format. Applicants with significant travel barriers, including visa, political, or funding issues, may request virtual participation.
Welcome to AAS-in-Asia Lahore 2026!
In 2026, Lahore prepares to host the Association for Asian Studies’ flagship AAS-in-Asia Conference, bringing together scholars, students, and practitioners from across Asia, West Asia, Africa, Middle East, and beyond.
With the theme Centering Asia: Refiguring Connections, Recharting Futures, this conference highlights Asia’s significance as a region of both continuity and reinvention. Home to more than 4.8 billion people, Asia contains some of the world’s largest economies, vibrant cultural and knowledge traditions, and dynamic histories of exchange. It is also shaped by persistent conflicts, climate disruption, and displacement.
Meet the Keynote Speaker
Dr. Adil Najam
Dr. Adil Najam is a globally recognized scholar of climate policy, sustainable development, and international cooperation. He currently serves as the Dean Emeritus and Professor of International Relations and Earth & Environment at Boston University and has previously led major international institutions focused on development and environment.
Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Najam’s work bridges academia, policy, and global diplomacy. He has advised governments, multilateral institutions, and civil society organizations on issues of climate change governance, sustainable development, and global negotiations. His research explores how developing countries engage with global environmental regimes and how equity and justice shape international climate policy.
A Warm Welcome from the Hosts
We are grateful to the Association for Asian Studies for selecting LUMS to host the 2026 AAS-in-Asia Conference. It is a privilege to welcome over 1,000 participants from 37 countries, reflecting the breadth and diversity of this scholarly community. LUMS is deeply committed to advancing academic exchange in the Global South, and this gathering provides an important opportunity to deepen that commitment. [Read More...]
Dr. Ali Cheema
Vice Chancellor, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
I am delighted to welcome you to the 2026 AAS-in-Asia conference in the historic city of Lahore. The conference has been organized by the Lahore School of Management Sciences (LUMS) in collaboration with the AAS. Since the first AAS-in-Asia at NUS in Singapore, the conference has been held in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Japan (virtually), South Korea, Indonesia, and Nepal. [Read More...]
Elora Shehabuddin
President, Association for Asian StudiesAbout LUMS
LUMS is Pakistan's leading research-intensive university, excelling in teaching and driven by a philosophy of 'Learning Without Borders'.
For over three decades, LUMS has nurtured visionary leaders and change makers who are equipped to anticipate and tackle the challenges of society. Our beautiful 100-acre campus is a place where extraordinary things happen: the brightest and most talented minds come together to engage in meaningful dialogue, question the ordinary and explore innovative solutions to real-life problems.
Late Breaking Submissions
The Organizing Committee invites proposals for Late-Breaking Sessions at the 2026 AAS-in-Asia Conference taking place on September 25-27, 2026 at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
Submission Guidelines