Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), in collaboration with Msheireb Museums, is set to host a public, two-day conference titled “Global Energy Cultures: How Energy Shapes Our Everyday Lives” on December 9. This conference aims to delve into the intricate relationship between energy and cultures, bringing together academic and artistic perspectives from thought leaders and scholars across the globe.
The conference will focus on the social, cultural, and political dimensions of energy production and consumption, highlighting its integral role in shaping daily life and influencing individual and collective choices. By exploring these dimensions, the forum aims to shed light on environmental justice issues and provide a holistic understanding of the human dimensions of energy use, which can help inform inclusive policies.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the art exhibits and film screenings, showcasing how artists explore diverse encounters with energy and envision sustainable futures through their creative work. This integration of art and academia will provide attendees with a unique and multidimensional perspective on the subject matter.
Zahra Babar, Associate Director of Research at the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at GU-Q, emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “The conference will consider how culture, human behavior, and energy intersect in shaping a livable and sustainable future. By acknowledging energy systems as both products of and conditions for human cultures, our discussions will serve to inspire innovative policy solutions that effectively address energy challenges and resonate with the lived experiences of diverse populations.”
During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from a diverse range of speakers. The keynote address will be delivered by GU-Q Artist-in-Residence, Victor Ehikhamenor, a Nigerian-American multimedia artist, photographer, and writer. Ehikhamenor is widely recognized for his signature abstract, symbolic, political, and historically-motivated works.
Additionally, the conference program will feature an exhibition of “I Can Only See Shadows,” a collaborative work by American artists David Reuter and Marissa Benedict. This work, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, explores the theme of dirty energy and its impact on society.
The conference aims to foster inclusivity and diverse perspectives, allowing for meaningful discussions on energy and culture. Sessions such as “Youth Voices for Sustainable Futures” will provide a platform for young voices to share their thoughts and ideas. Furthermore, there will be discussions with filmmakers from Jordan and India, as well as Qatar-based independent filmmaker Suzi Mirgani, Assistant Director for Publications at CIRS, GU-Q.
Thought-provoking discussion topics will include “Energy and Democracy,” featuring Dr. Victor Seow, Associate Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. Dr. Seow specializes in modern industrial societies, including China and Japan. Another session titled “Resilience and Maintenance” will be chaired by Dr. Anto Mohsin, Assistant Professor in Residence at Northwestern University in Qatar, and author of the forthcoming book, “Electrifying Indonesia: Technology and Social Justice in National Development.”
For those interested in attending the conference, the full program and registration details can be found on the conference website at https://cirs.qatar.georgetown.edu/energy/.
Source: TimesKuwait
