Coordinators:
- Syksy Byholm (Keho ry) – byholmb@gmail.com
- Johanna Airaksinen (Keho ry) – johanna.airaksinen@helsinki.fi
Keho ry, the student organisation for Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki, organises a roundtable with Sudanese activists to discuss the war in Sudan and forms of transnational activist solidarity in times of multiple crises. The roundtable includes invited speakers and a discussion with the audience.
The ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been framed as a civil and proxy war, ethnic conflict, and a domestic power struggle between two strongmen. At the same time, it is clear that foreign powers are deeply involved in the conflict economically and politically, among them the United Arab Emirates, a close ally of Western powers and an important trade partner of Finland in the region.
The people of Sudan have now experienced over 1000 days of ongoing war and genocide, yet dominant media coverage fails to describe the reality on the ground in nuance. This panel discussion brings together Sudanese community activists, students, researchers, workers and allies in educating ourselves on connections between our common struggles. Join us for a discussion on the following topics, among others:
- What are the dynamics of the conflict, and who are its main parties?
- What is the role of outside powers in deepening violence and plundering Sudan’s resources?
- How are events in Sudan framed in traditional media?
- Who are the actors addressing essential humanitarian needs on the ground? How is aid delivered to besieged areas and camps?
For this panel, we kindlly request you to register via this separate form (not required): https://docs.google.com/forms/
This event is co-organized by Sudanese activists based in Finland and Keho ry, the student association of Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki. Please note that the registration link above is only for the panel discussion, and separate pre-registration is required to attend other conference sessions. Read more about the conference here: https://www.kehitystutkimus.
The event will follow the principles of safer spaces set by the student organizations of the Faculty of Social Sciences: https://docs.google.com/
Place: Small Festive Hall (F4050), University of Helsinki Main Building (Fabianinkatu 33, Helsinki) Time: Fri 27 February 2026, 12:15–13:45
Registration is now open from 12 January to 15 February 2026.
Presentation titles and the detailed timetable will be published soon.