Questions of equity and inclusion ran throughout this year’s AGM. Members reflected on what it means to be a development studies association at a time of profound global inequality and conflict, and how the DSA can continue to remove barriers to participation while working within the practical and financial constraints facing the sector.

Susannah Pickering-Saqqa reminded us of the work still to do in a time of genocide.  “On this journey of thinking about what it means to be a development studies scholar in a time of genocide, we’ve been on a two-year journey. It’s been hard work. I just want to acknowledge the progress we’ve made, while also recognising that there’s more to be done. I want to bring out a call for everyone in the room to help us think through what it means to be a development studies scholar. If we’re going to reimagine that, and imagine what it’s like to be in this world of genocide, we need all the different perspectives that we can possibly have.” 

PhD candidates Kristen Hope and Luqman Muraina spoke on behalf of the student and ECR membership.  Luqman shared his perspective as a scholar from Nigeria, from the Global South: “It was an intersectional experience. I became victimised in two areas: as someone from Nigeria and from the Global South, and also as a PGR,” he explained, referring to the visa challenges experienced in attending the conference in Ireland. 

“In our [student] meeting we did recognise the challenging context in which higher education and professional organisations are working, with budget cuts and challenges in higher education generally. Altogether, we think that these challenges will become significantly difficult for professional organisations like DSA to really ensure that their work is received and diverse.”

“But our concern is based on the fact that the kind of visa and travel issues that were experienced by minoritised scholars this year are really significant, and it is something that affected our communities. We thought that this was contradictory to the values of the DSA, especially because we also recognise that DSA, among a lot of fields, is one of the most inclusive and diversified organisations. But we thought we are only getting started, and we can only continue on that journey.”

Kristen spoke to what students can bring by way of solutions. “We feel that with intentionality, we can really dedicate more time and work to demonstrating and practising decolonial principles to enable meaningful engagement with Global South scholars, institutions, particularly PGRs and ECRs.”

“We thought, how about we consider collaborations with other big conferences and institutions in Global Majority countries? What if we start to think about and approach the challenges that we face from the perspective of equity, in a way that means the burden of participation is not borne by members of the Global Majority every year?”

“We might think about how we might waive fees for scholars from the Global Majority who wish to join online, and we might think about creating other opportunities for student leadership in the DSA from individuals that are outside institutional members.”

“Of course, all of these ideas entail certain costs and compromises. Our message is that we should approach these by prioritising equity and not just reproducing historic ways of working, which might entrench privileges of folks like me who have passport privilege.”

“If this year’s theme of the conference is reimagining development, then we’re asking: does this start at home? Let’s join hands in reimagining the future of the DSA, and we look forward to working with our new student reps and the new council members and everyone to achieving this.”

This was a sentiment echoed by development practitioner Gurusaravanan Manoharan from the Institute Of Grassroots Governance. Gurusaravanan was awarded funding to attend DSA2026 and used this opportunity not only to present a paper but to advocate for others like them. 

“The DSA should continue encouraging development practitioners like me to take part,” they said. “I also have one humble suggestion around equity and diversity. Many people from Dalit and tribal communities in India, including friends of mine who have applied, are still unable to access opportunities like this. I hope there can be even greater representation in the future. Where people can’t attend in person, opportunities to participate online would also make a real difference.”

“Our voices often don’t receive enough attention. We come from communities where people are displaced from their lands and forests, and platforms like this give us the opportunity to share those experiences.”

“The truth is, platforms like this motivate the work that we do. My hope is that the conference can become even more inclusive and accessible, so that more people from marginalised communities can participate and make a difference.”

The contributions at the AGM underscored both the progress the DSA has made and the work that remains. Some  of the issues raised particularly around visas, passports and unequal access to international academic spaces reflect structural challenges that no single organisation can resolve, but the DSA Council and communications officer welcomed ideas to support existing initiatives or advocacy. 

The DSA Council will establish a working group to consider future annual conferences and how questions of equity and inclusion can be embedded in its planning. Members are advised that we plan conferences two years in advance: this means hosts are already established for 2027 and 2028.

We will also highlight in our newsletter how decisions are made, when conference funding is allocated, the constraints under which the Association operates, key planning timelines, and exploring ideas for fundraising and partnerships that could expand future opportunities. 

Creating a more equitable DSA is a shared endeavour. Members can help by engaging with the Association’s governance, considering becoming members if they are not already, contributing ideas through their elected Council representatives, and participating in discussions ahead of the Council meeting in November. By combining the lived experience and ideas of our community with transparent decision-making and collective action, we can continue to shape a DSA that is both ambitious in its values and realistic in how it delivers them.