The Poverty of Politics?

EVENT: Pursuing Sustainable Development for All in Challenging Times.

Academics, civil society and governments have a wealth of social policies and programmes to propose which have the potential to eradicate poverty and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as the UNRISD 2016 Flagship Report shows. But are we facing a poverty of politics, especially in the current political climate, which might prevent such transformative policies from being designed, implemented and sustained?

At this side event, UNRISD Director Paul Ladd will introduce the UNRISD 2016 Flagship Report, Policy Innovations for Transformative Change, and put it in its current political context. With this as a starting point, panellists will explore some of the current obstacles to integrated policies for poverty eradication, ranging from the exclusionary and isolationist politics which seem to be taking root in many countries, to growing inequalities, and the continued threats to our natural environment. With a looming potential retreat from cooperation, what strategies could shift the political dynamics into a different gear to ensure poverty eradication and sustainable development for all?

UNRISD Side Event at the Commission for Social Development, open to UN badge holders.
Time: 13.15-14.30
Place: Conference Room 11