Agenda

Balancing economic growth and equity goals (Keynote Address by Nobel Laureate Professor Abhijit Banerjee)

Abstract:
Over the last century, economic growth has delivered much of the world out of poverty. For some of that time, growth came hand in hand with increased income equality and more equitable access to services. But that relationship has at various points broken down, especially since the turn of the century. For most countries, modern growth has seemed to necessitate high levels of inequality. Is this truly a by-product or a choice? Can we improve the "quality" and "equity" and not simply the "quantum" of our growth?

In this opening session, Professor Abhijit Banerjee will draw on his life’s work to dissect patterns behind the wealth of nations, and what philanthropies could do for the ones who are left behind. It will set the scene for the overall conference with each subsequent session exploring different levers for achieving a more equitable society.