Registration Form Click to register

Time of Event

TBC

Summary

Global inequality, strongly linked to poor long-term socioeconomic outcomes, remains alarmingly high. The 2022 World Inequality Report shows that the richest 10% of the global population receives 52% of global income and holds 76% of global wealth, while the poorest 50% share only 8.5% of income and 2% of wealth. Inequality intensified during the pandemic, distorting power dynamics and hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which aims to reduce inequality by 2030. Inequality is intertwined with poverty, hunger, conflict, and environmental degradation, impacting other SDGs, such as poverty reduction (SDG 1) and climate action (SDG 13). Reducing inequality can improve quality of life, mental and physical health, social cohesion, and long-term development. However, research gaps remain, particularly at the micro level and in Asia, where local cultures and policies shape unique responses to inequality. Bridging these gaps can enhance understanding of inequality’s impact on rural development and drive inclusive growth.

This conference will present and discuss original, unpublished papers that enrich understanding of the causes and consequences of inequalities, identify solutions, and propose policy instruments to reduce inequalities and promote inclusive rural development.

Objectives

Address and discuss:

• Factors that determine rural inequality
• Impacts of inequality of opportunity, rural-urban inequality, income inequality on education expenditure, farmers’ adoption of innovative technologies, and women’s intra-household bargaining power
• Strategies that empower rural women for Asia’s sustainable development
• Potential practices and solutions that enhance rural development sustainability through reducing rural inequalities.

Target Participants

Researchers, academics, students, policymakers, and practitioners in Asia.

Output

• Rigorous evidence on the aspects of rural inequality and sustainable development
• Greater understanding of the causes and consequences of inequalities in Asia
• Presented research will be considered for publication in the Review of Development Economics journal special issue subject to a review process

Partner

• Lincoln University, New Zealand
• University of Sussex, United Kingdom
• University of Tokyo, Japan