Economic Development Symposium 2018

On three Tuesdays in February,  an join us for an Economic Development Symposium which will be centered around the theme of adapting to emerging challenges and threats.

The first day of the symposium will focus on "Resiliency in International Development amidst a Changing Global Political Environment", bringing together experts in the areas of international development, including the former Chief Economist of World Bank, Vice President of Brookings Institution, COO of Plan International (USA), and development specialists of USAID, Clinton Development Initiative, World Bank, and more.

• February 6, 2018: 4:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Global Trends in International Development

• February 13, 2018:  4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Community Development

• Feb 21, 2018: 3:40 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Infrastructure Development

The panels are moderated by Yale professors including Rakesh Mohan, James Levinsohn, and Mushfiq Mobarak.

4:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Symposium Opening and Keynote Panel
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kaushik Basu (Former Chief Economist of World Bank)
Opening remark: Dean Anjani Jain
Keynote Panel: Resiliency in International Development amidst a Changing Global Political Environment

Over the last few years, geopolitical changes have led to significant shifts in the field of international development. As the balance of power changes, new players such as China are emerging, while traditional leaders such as the U.S. are rolling back their investments. At the same time, global development issues such as climate change, migration and urbanization are becoming ever more pressing. Following the keynote address, this panel will focus on emerging issues in international development and how the global community is tackling these challenges through new and innovative initiatives. This panel will set the stage for further discussions on the role of philanthropy, the private sector and public-private financing mechanisms.


6 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.: Workshop: The Role of Private Companies in Economic Development

There are many ways for private sector companies to incorporate social impact into their work beyond traditional CSR initiatives. In this workshop, private sector leaders will guide participants in a brainstorming session on how they can create and build impact-aimed projects in their current and future companies.


6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.: Innovative Development Financing Mechanisms to Address Emerging Global Risks

Climate change, rapid population growth and shifting patterns of settlement have put communities around the world at an increased risk of natural disasters. As a global community, we continue to seek new ways to prevent, prepare for and address these crises. This panel will explore how novel financing mechanisms such as Resilience Bonds and the Sovereign Catastrophe Risk Pools are helping to ensure we have the necessary resources in place and to move toward planned development.


6:55 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.: New Directions in Philanthropy

Philanthropy and Private Enterprises are shaping Economic Development within the Social Good Movement. This panel seeks to deconstruct emerging trends that have evolved from changing global conditions and technologies. Panelists will speak of lessons learned and needs for addressing new challenges.


7:40 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Dinner Reception

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Ticket Prices

1-day Ticket: $5 (including access to dinner reception of the day)
3-day Ticket: $10 (including access to dinner receptions)