WIDER Conference on Fragile States - Fragile Groups

 “…..Many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries are classified as fragile states. In these states more than 350 million people live in extreme poverty and more than four million children die each year before reaching the age of five. Such outcomes will persist unless the vulnerability of fragile states to adverse shocks is reduced, and their capacity to absorb external funds and to mobilize internal resources for sustained poverty reduction and improved economic security is increased. Yet it is not only countries that are vulnerable. Within countries there are often large groups of people that are vulnerable to a range of events and lack the assets or other means to cope with the impact of adverse shocks. …..”

Conference topics will include:

· fragility concepts and measures
· trade and financial shocks

· weather and other environmental shocks

· state failure and governance in fragile states

· household vulnerability and fragile groups

· poverty dynamics and economic insecurity

· strategies for dealing with economic and social vulnerability

· linking aid, debt relief and fragility

· fragility and MDG implementation 

The conference is jointly organized by UNU-WIDER and the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). It has received financial support from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The deadline for submissions is 16 March 2007. Final copies of accepted papers are required by 18 May 2007.

E-mail: fragile1@wider.unu.edu

Funding:

There is no conference fee. Subject to UN policies and procedures, UNU-WIDER will cover the costs of meals, airport transfers and accommodation for all – and air travel costs for some – conference participants. Preference will be given to funding participants from developing countries, with an emphasis on policymakers and those from universities and research institutes.

Conference language: The conference is held in English (simultaneous translation will not be available).

More Information visit wider wesite: http://www.wider.unu.edu/conference/conference-2007-1/conference-2007-1.htm