Thriving Amid Uncertainty – Local Resilience in an Era of Polycrisis

You are invited to this annual UEL Noon Centre conference, which engages the contemporary challenge of polycrisis — a complex web of interconnected challenges. Climate change, migration, political instability, economic uncertainty, and social inequalities do not occur in isolation but interact and reinforce one another. There is growing recognition that agile and resilient responses often emerge at the local level through communities, institutions, and grassroots action.

This conference invites researchers, practitioners and policymakersto explore how local resilience can provide practical pathways for addressing contemporary global challenges.

Themes shall comprise a range of domains including:

• The interconnected nature of global crises and the dynamics of polycrisis.
• The strengths and limitations of top-down responses to complex challenges
• Local governance, civic participation, and community resilience
• Economic resilience, social safety nets, skills development
• Social cohesion, trust, and community identity for resilience and agility
• Scaling local innovations for broader policy and societal impact
• Emerging technologies, youth engagement, and global–local networks for resilience

The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and stimulate conversations that move beyond diagnosing crises toward identifying practical and sustainable solutions. Participants will have the opportunity to share research findings, engage in critical discussions, and contribute to shaping future agendas on resilience and societal transformation. We encourage contributions that bridge theory, policy, and practice.