Featured in IDR: Can Nonprofits Create Meaningful Dialogue Without a Conference Budget?

Published by

Ulfa Khwaja

August 18, 2026

I recently had the opportunity to share our experience of organizing Pi Jam Foundation’s AI Education Unconference with IDR.

In the article, I reflect on how nonprofits can create meaningful, participant-driven dialogue without the costs and constraints of traditional conferences. Drawing from our experience, I discuss what worked, what surprised us, and why unconferences can be a powerful model for strengthening learning communities.

Read the full article on IDR: Can Nonprofits Create Meaningful Dialogue Without a Conference Budget? https://idronline.org/article/ecosystem-development/can-nonprofits-create-meaningful-dialogue-without-a-conference-budget/

Author

Ulfa Khwaja

Hello there! I’m Ulfa, researcher by training, writer by accident, and lifelong learner by choice. I earned my PhD from the Centre for Educational Technology, IIT Bombay, where I spent far too much time enjoying research on learning, collaboration, and all things education.

I love exploring how technology shapes our thinking, how people learn together, and why equity matters everywhere learning happens. Mostly, I just love asking questions and following curiosity wherever it leads.

If you enjoy ideas that spark, swirl, and sometimes surprise you’ll feel right at home here.

One response to “Featured in IDR: Can Nonprofits Create Meaningful Dialogue Without a Conference Budget?”

kussmaul

August 19, 2026

Great article, and great description of your motivations. I hope more organizations adopt such approaches. Would it be useful to create & share a toolkit of useful practices, especially adapted to Indian contexts?

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Reply

I’m Ulfa

Researcher by training, writer by accident, and lifelong learner by choice. I earned my PhD from the Centre for Educational Technology, IIT Bombay, where I spent far too much time enjoying research on learning, collaboration, and all things education.

I love exploring how technology shapes our thinking, how people learn together, and why equity matters wherever learning happens. Mostly, I just love asking questions and following curiosity wherever it leads. If you enjoy ideas that spark, swirl, and sometimes surprise, you’ll feel right at home here.

Ulfa Khwaja