Global Economists Gather in Lahore to Address Development Challenges
Lahore recently became the hub of global economic discourse as it hosted the 6th International Conference on Applied Development Economics (ADE). Organized by the Lahore School of Economics in collaboration with the International Growth Centre and the Consortium for Development Policy Research, the event attracted leading economists and scholars from across the world to discuss critical development issues facing low and middle-income countries, including Pakistan.
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conference Date | August 15-17, 2024 |
| Location | Lahore School of Economics |
| Main Focus | Development Issues in Low & Middle-Income Countries |
| Key Themes | Labor Markets, Technology, Health, Gender, Trade, Climate Change |
| Organizers | Lahore School of Economics, International Growth Centre, Consortium for Development Policy Research |
| Purpose | Fostering Collaboration & Policy Impact Research |
The conference, which spanned three days from August 15 to 17, 2024, covered a wide array of topics central to development, including labor markets, technology, health, gender equity, and climate change. A significant focus was placed on generating research with practical policy implications, offering a platform for early career researchers to receive feedback and fostering collaboration among academics.
In the opening session, Dr. Shahid Chaudhry, Rector of Lahore School of Economics, highlighted the resilience of Pakistan in the face of challenges such as overpopulation and limited resources, particularly in education and employment sectors for women. Dr. Adrienne Lucas from the University of Delaware delivered the keynote address, emphasizing strategies to improve educational outcomes in low-productivity environments, drawing on her research in Ghana.
Other sessions delved into topics like the impact of childcare subsidies on labor markets, the role of technology in enhancing female autonomy through initiatives like the Women Safety App, and the implications of high interest rates in curbing inflation, as discussed by Dr. Naved Hamid and Dr. Murtaza Syed.
| Participant | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Dr. Shahid Chaudhry |
Rector, Lahore School of Economics Email: rector@lahoreschool.edu.pk Phone: +92-42-111-656-756 Address: Lahore School of Economics, Intersection Main Blvd & DHA, Phase 6, Lahore, Pakistan |
| Dr. Adrienne Lucas |
Professor, University of Delaware Email: alucas@udel.edu Phone: +1-302-831-2792 Address: University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA |
| International Growth Centre (IGC) |
Email: pakistan@theigc.org Phone: +92-42-3571-2233 Address: 19 Aibak Block, New Garden Town, Lahore, Pakistan |
| Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR) |
Email: info@cdpr.org.pk Phone: +92-42-3591-1611 Address: 16-Civic Center, Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan |
The conference underscored the importance of actionable research and policy-oriented discussions, providing a crucial platform for addressing some of the most pressing developmental challenges in Pakistan and similar economies.
