The Global Academy of Liberal Arts will hold its next conference in Nairobi, Kenya, 13th-15th October 2026. Our hosts will be the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

We are seeking proposals under the theme of ‘The Liberal Arts in Action: Catalysts for Change’. Further details including sub-themes are given below. 

We welcome proposals from members of the GALA network and from universities and colleges outside of the GALA network. Papers can be presented in-person or online. Further details about the conference itself will follow in the coming weeks.   

The Global Academy of Liberal Arts (GALA) is an international community of diverse, innovative, and socially responsible universities and colleges, whose aims are to transform lives and to enhance global understanding through interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching and research. There are currently 18 partners in 15 countries. 

Call for proposals

The role of liberal arts education is more critical than ever in today’s globalized environment. The GALA Conference 2026, ‘The Liberal Arts in Action: Catalysts for Change’, seeks to highlight the value of liberal arts in cultivating critical thinking, creativity, innovative ideas, and insightful, engaged citizens who can drive meaningful transformation in their communities and beyond. It will also explore both the challenges and opportunities that liberal arts can bring to modern society, emphasizing how education can act as a powerful catalyst for social, cultural, and global change.

We welcome proposals responding to the following: 

• Interdisciplinarity in Education 
• Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility 
• Global Perspectives in Liberal Arts 
• Technology and the Liberal Arts 
• Careers in the Liberal Arts 
• Sustainability and Environment 
• Academic Freedom 
• Entrepreneurship and Liberal Arts Education 
• Liberal Arts and Policy Environment 

Deadline for submission: 13th February 2026.

You can find out more and submit your proposal here: Global Academy of Liberal Arts 2026 Conference Call for Proposals.