Safeguarding tomorrow – innovative approaches to growth and equity

This flagship event coincides with the 40th anniversary of UNU-WIDER and convenes leading thinkers and policymakers from across the globe to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time: fostering sustainable development, reinforcing and financing social protection mechanisms, and reducing inequalities.

The conference addresses themes through three plenary policy panel discussions and 24 parallel sessions. Discussions focus on the impact of welfare systems on economic growth, strategies for enhancing economic and social resilience in crisis settings, policies for equitable growth and strengthened social protection, and innovative funding approaches for sustainable development and social protection frameworks. These themes are integral to understanding and shaping responses to global development challenges and achieving the SDGs.

The conference tackles pivotal debates on the social and economic impacts of cash transfers, the unique challenges of safety nets in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings, and strategies for creating fiscal space for welfare spending. 

This year’s programme includes four fireside chats featuring hot-off-the-press books with the authors. On day three, the WIDER Annual Lecture is delivered by Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee. More details on the event to come.

This conference is strategically designed to catalyze global efforts in creating equitable growth strategies and advancing social protection, particularly in crisis and humanitarian settings. It promises to be a critical platform for shaping future development policies and strategies. Join us in this critical gathering as we collectively seek to redefine the role of welfare policies in fostering inclusive and equitable growth for all.