International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) is organizing a three day international conference in collaboration with Action Aid the Department of Economics, Kenyatta University on 'Sustainable Employment Generation in Developing Countries: Current constraints and alternative strategies' at Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi, Kenya between 25-27th January, 2007.

In addition to invited papers from established scholars, there will be a call for papers from young scholars for this conference. Selected papers will be presented by younger economists while others will be selected to simply participate in the conference as part of a capacity-building exercise for young economists.

Theme:
Productive employment generation is probably the issue of greatest social concern and policy interest in most developing countries today. Over the past fifteen years or more, policies of trade liberalisation and more constrained state spending in crucial areas have been associated with greater economic concentration and slow growth of productive employment and income opportunities. The agrarian crisis and reduced viability of cultivation, the destruction of traditional means of livelihood as well as the competitive pressure upon small enterprises, have all meant the export-oriented production has emerged in most countries as the preferred option for increasing employment. Yet thus far, such production of exportable goods and services has not generated enough employment to outweigh the destruction of productive employment in other activities. In some developed countries (and even in some developing countries) the “inflexibility” of the labour market, in the form of laws providing some protection to workers, have been blamed for the slow and inadequate rate of employment generation. However, in most developing countries, not only is most of the labour force employment in unorganised an informal activities, but even the limited protection to workers in the organised sector has gradually been undermined over the past two decades, and yet employment conditions and possibilities have not improved but deteriorated further. In addition, the jobs that are created tend to be worse in terms of remuneration, working conditions and greater insecurity of contract.

In this context, the need to explore possible strategies of productive and sustainable employment generation in developing countries has become urgent. This conference will therefore be devoted to an examination of recent employment patterns globally and in the major developing country regions, to specific policies and processes that have enabled or prevented sustainable employment diversification and expansion, and the potential for developing alternative strategies. Thinking about sustainable employment strategies necessarily implies thinking about alternative development strategies that are feasible in the current context, which will therefore be the underlying motivation for this conference.

World Social Forum 2007
In addition, IDEAs would also be jointly hosting with Action Aid two seminars under the theme 'Strategies for Economic Justice under Globalisation' during the World Social Forum 2007, which will be taking place in Nairobi, Kenya between 21st and 25th January, 2007. Participants for the conference are also invited to attend the IDEAs-Action Aid as well as other sessions of their choice during 22-24th January at the WSF 2007.

Applications:
Applications to participate in 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. Applicants based in Africa are especially encouraged to apply.

A letter of application, accompanied by a recent version of the curriculum vitae and one letter of recommendation should be sent by 13th November, 2006 to Prof. C P Chandrasekhar or Prof. Jayati Ghosh at the addresses given below.

All applicants must also 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 conference during a special session each afternoon over the three days. However, selection for participation in the conference may not be based entirely on the quality of abstracts.

Participants would be expected to stay for a total of 6 nights, arriving on the 22nd of January and leaving on the 28th of January, 2007. Selected participants will be provided full funding for travel, besides boarding and lodging (on a twin sharing basis), to attend both the WSF events (22-24th) and the conference (25-27th). Applicants from low-income developing countries will get preferential treatment with regard to funds. Researchers from the "South" are especially encouraged to apply. However, those candidates who have attended an IDEAs workshop/ conference in the past one year will not be given preference.

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

Telephone : + 91- 11- 26611235, 26850050.

Fax : + 91 - 11- 26611764.

Email: workshopideas@gmail.com and erf@vsnl.com

(please mention: 'Application for IDEAs Kenya Conference' under subject)

October 6, 2006.