The theme of the conference reflects the commitment of scholars, activists, and communities to build strategies and networks that address climate-related and socio-political challenges, especially in the Southeast Asia region. This region is among the most vulnerable to accelerating climate-related stresses, which intersect with deep structural inequalities and a resurgence of authoritarianism.
Mainstream development paradigms—often anchored in top-down modernisation and universal models—have frequently struggled to address this complexity, at times exacerbating vulnerability through social exclusion and environmental degradation. In this regard, ICASAD 2026 will serve as an international forum to foster dialogue on autonomous social sciences—theory and praxis rooted in the realities, histories, and epistemologies of the Global South. By challenging the “captive mind” and the uncritical imitation of external frameworks, this gathering aims to reclaim intellectual sovereignty and articulate alternative development visions emerging from the ground.

Fee Structure for Non-presenting Participants

• Onsite (in person): USD 15 or IDR 250,000
• Online (virtual): USD 10 or IDR 100,000 (with certificate of attendance), free of charge (without certificate).