1. BACKGROUND 

The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Markets, Risk and Resilience (MRR) of the University of California at Davis in conjunction with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and other partners are organizing the 7th Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition in Ghana at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Auditorium, University of Ghana, from 22nd to 26th July 2024 comprising two days of pre-conference events/side events and the three-day conference and exhibition. 

The main theme of the conference is, “Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation”. 

2. CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES 

The conference would have the following specific objectives, revolving around Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation: 

1. Knowledge Sharing: The conference will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, research, and best practices in resilience and climate change adaptation. By bringing together leading experts in the field, we aim to create a platform for idea generation and knowledge sharing. 
2. Networking: The conference will provide an opportunity for participants to network and build connections with professionals from various industries, organizations, and regions. By fostering collaboration and partnerships, we aim to strengthen the global resilience community and promote innovative solutions. 
3. Policy Dialogue: The conference will provide a platform for policymakers, government representatives, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on climate change adaptation policies. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between policymakers and experts, we aim to contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that support resilience and sustainability. 
4. Innovation and Technology: The conference will focus on showcasing innovative and technological solutions that can support resilience and adaptation to climate change. By highlighting advancements in technology, such as renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructure, and early warning systems, we aim to stimulate innovation and drive transformative change. 
5. Capacity Strengthening: The conference will enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in resilience and climate change adaptation. Through workshops, training sessions, and presentations by experts, we aim to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving climate challenges. 
6. Collaboration and Action: The conference will foster collaboration and action among participants to address climate change resilience and adaptation challenges. By facilitating partnerships, collaboration initiatives, and project proposals, we aim to translate knowledge and ideas into actions that contribute to building resilient communities and ecosystems. 
   
   
   

3. DELEGATES AND PARTICIPANTS 

The conference will bring together a high caliber of experts, government actors, policymakers, research institutions, academia, civic society organizations, international NGOs, United Nations Agencies, private sector organizations and industry, global business leaders and entrepreneurs, and the media. 

4. CONFERENCE THEME 

The main theme of the conference is, “Resilience and Climate Change Adaptation”. The theme explores the linkages and synergies between two key concepts essential for addressing climate change impacts, especially in Africa. It highlights questions such as: How can climate change adaptation enhance resilience to current and future climate risks? What barriers and enablers are for effective and inclusive adaptation and resilience building? How can adaptation and resilience contribute to sustainable development and human well-being in a changing climate? How can evidence and evaluation inform and improve adaptation and resilience policies and practices? 

Sub-Themes: The sub-themes of the conference are highlighted below: 

1. Artificial Intelligence, advanced digital tools and technological innovations 
2. Adaptation methods and climate resilient infrastructure 
3. Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI) 
4. Intersectionality and climate justice 
5. Youth and climate change 
6. Climate policy, governance, and systemic change 
7. Agricultural innovations for climate change adaptation and resilience 

5. IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE 

• Submission of abstracts deadline: 14 May 2024 (5 PM EDT)
• Notification of acceptance of abstracts: 30 May 2024
• Deadline for registration and payment of fees: 30 June 2024
• Receipt of powerpoint and/or soft copy of poster for poster presentation: 15 July 2024

6. OPPORTUNITIES & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 

The abstract should be at most 500 words in MS Word and double-spaced using Times New Roman fonts 12 pt. It should include the study's purpose, methodology, summary of findings/results, conclusion, and significance/contribution of the study. The abstract should be written in English. They should be submitted electronically to: https://mrr.piestar-rfx.com/opportunities. If you have more than one submission, they must be individually submitted. We are accepting submissions for: 

1. Short paper presentations: Papers are intended to generate discussion and therefore should be based on a recently completed evaluation, with the aim of clarifying issues in evaluation theory and proposing new and innovative evaluation paradigms. Paper proposals should indicate: 

• Title of the paper 
• Name, title and institutional affiliation of presenting author 
• Email and telephone contact of presenting author 
• Papers must be allocated to a specific Sub-theme. 
  
  

2. Breakout session panel discussions: Breakout sessions will include multiple panelists and a moderator and will be used to present multiple contributions or perspectives under a single topic. In your submission, please: 

• Brief overview of proposed session content
• Identify the key point of contact for the organization of the panel 
• In the abstract field, please indicate the contribution of each proposed panelist, and the proposed panel moderator/facilitator. 
  
  

3. Short poster presentations: An exhibition of posters during the evaluation week will be provided. As such, posters with images and text will be required for display in a designated space. Posters will be expected to depict an evaluation study including key questions asked, methodology, data, findings, recommendations, and conclusions. Posters will be displayed during the conference, and presenters must be available to respond to questions about the poster on display. Accepted Poster presentations will be displayed in the exhibition hall during the conference. Posters should measure approximately 0.95 m in width and 1.5 m in height. Poster presenters are advised to submit a hard copy of their posters to the secretariat a day before/on the first day of the conference. Proposals for poster presentation must include: 

• Title of the poster 
• Name, title, and institutional affiliation of the presenting author 
• Email and telephone contact of presenting author 

7. CONTACT FURTHER FOR ENQUIRIES 

For more information about the conference, abstract submissions, participation and registration, applicable fees, hosting a pre-conference session/side event, please visit our website https://www.iced-eval.org or email e2a@iced-eval.org. Please also note that the Call for Abstracts PDF document included here also includes the event concept note at the end of the document as a reference.