Pi Alpha Alpha Symposium 2026
Dr. Laila El baradei Pi Alpha Alpha Symposium
Theme: The Role of Public Sector Collaborative Governance and Addressing Global Food Insecurity
Date and Time: Monday, September 28, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4 PM EST
We are excited to share that the annual Pi Alpha Alpha Symposium has been scheduled for Monday, September 28th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST, and we are accepting submissions for panels and attendee registrations. The Pi Alpha Alpha Symposium is completely free and open to both Pi Alpha Alpha members and non-members alike. This will be a full-day virtual event with two panels in the morning, one panel in the afternoon, and finally, a fun networking event to wrap up the day and unwind.
Summary:
Global food insecurity represents one of the most pressing public policy challenges of the twenty-first century. Escalating climate change, geopolitical conflict, economic instability, supply chain disruptions, population growth, and persistent social inequities have collectively undermined food systems across developed and developing nations. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of millions of people continue to experience chronic hunger, highlighting the urgent need for governance models that extend beyond traditional government-led responses. This panel explores how collaborative governance can strengthen public sector capacity to develop sustainable, equitable, and resilient solutions to global food insecurity. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and graduate students, this PAA Annual Symposium panel/presentations aim to advance scholarly dialogue on collaborative governance while generating practical recommendations for strengthening food system resilience.
Register for the Pi Alpha Alpha Symposium
PAA seeks proposals from individuals and fully formed panels addressing the above theme. All proposals are due no later than September 1, 2026. Proposals must include a brief/short abstract (300 words) with all participant names, email address and institution affiliation.
PAA Chapter Advisors: please note well that panel proposals from your MPA/MPP/DPA or PhD students are strongly encouraged
Membership in PAA is not necessary to participate in the symposium.
Have questions? Email paa@naspaa.org.
Sincerely,
The Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society Steering Committee
Dr. Richard Greggory Johnson III (Co-Chair), University of San Francisco
Dr. Shin Kue Ryu (Co-Chair), Idaho State University
Dr. Jurée Capers, Georgia State University
Dr. Atta Ceesay, SUNY Buffalo State University
Dr. Richard Funderburg, University of Illinois Springfield
Dr. Bok Jeong, Kean University
Dr. Sophie Lee, Metropolitan College of New York
Dr. Carin Mayo, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Dr. Phil Nufrio, Metropolitan College of New York
Dr. Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, University of Central Florida