International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) is organizing a three day workshop followed by a three day international conference at the Tsinghua University Premises in Beijing, China. The tentative dates are 3-5th June (Workshop) and 7-9th June (Conference), 2007 with a one day break in between on the 6th of June.

Theme
The recent decades have thrown up interesting dilemmas for the developing world. While many countries have witnessed some economic growth with a few experiencing spectacular growth, the process of growth has often been accompanied by increases in income inequality and inadequate reduction of poverty. This has been a rather disappointing trend since the policies of structural reforms and globalization have always been associated with promises of poverty eradication, a reduction in the inequality of income distribution, and a general rise in welfare for developing economies.

Therefore, this workshop and conference intend to focus on the extent and nature of growth in developing economies, particularly in Asia where growth has been a question of crucial importance. It aims to explore the extent to which the growth process has been related to shifts in underlying economic structures with adverse impact on poverty and inequality, or to policy paradigms, both domestic and external, which have created these contradictions within the growing developing world. The impact on livelihood and employment patterns, sectoral shifts in investment, production, and incomes, the impact on human development and gender are all sought to be studied in detail. Within growing Asia, India and China have proved to be the more critical cases given the combination of high growth and high income inequalities. Therefore the events also intend to look at these specific economies, and the growth process thereof, to analyse what may be the lessons for future economies who are heading for a period of high growth.

The conference will highlight new research on changes in inequality and poverty in different parts of the world, particularly in developing Asia. It will raise questions on the different definitions and changing nature of poverty. It will also have a strong focus on the relevant policy measures for effective poverty reduction.

Applications:
Applications to participate in the workshop and attend the conference are invited from young economists from developing countries who have completed or are close to completing their Ph.D. In addition, individuals with a strong economics background involved in advocacy work with civil society organizations or engaged in policy making activities are welcome to apply.

Participants would be expected to stay for a total of 7-8 nights, arriving on the 3rd and leaving by the 10th of June, 2007. Selected participants will be provided full funding for travel, besides boarding and lodging (on a twin sharing basis), to attend both the workshop and the conference. Applicants from low-income developing countries will get preferential treatment with regard to funds. Researchers from the "South" and Asia are especially encouraged to apply. However, those candidates who have attended an IDEAs workshop in the past one year will not be given preference.

The workshop will be organized in four modules on each of the three days. The first three of them would be in the form of lecture-cum-discussion sessions (of one and a half hours each) which will be taken by senior academicians, policymakers from around the world. These will be followed each day by a two hour session where some of the young participants would be invited to make presentations in their current area of research.

How to Apply:
A letter of application, accompanied by a recent version of the curriculum vitae and one letter of recommendation should be sent by 31st March, 2007 to Prof. C P Chandrasekhar or Prof. Jayati Ghosh at the addresses given below. In addition, all applicants must send an abstract of one of their recent research papers on an area of their choice with the applications. From among the chosen candidates, some of the submitted papers will be selected for presentation during the workshop. However, selection for participation in the workshop will not be based entirely on the quality of abstracts.

Send applications to:
International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs)
c/o, Economic Research Foundation
124 A/1 Katwaria Sarai Main Road,
New Delhi 110016
INDIA

Tel +91-11-26611235, +91-11-26850050

Fax +91-11-26611764

Email: workshopideas@gmail.com and erf@vsnl.com
(please mention: 'Application for IDEAs Beijing workshop' under subject)

March 6, 2007.