The United Nations University Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) and the Consortium pour la Recherche Economique et Sociale (CRES) organized the 2nd International Conference on “Sustainable Development in Africa”. The conference was held in Dakar, 26 -27 November with the aim of creating a bridge between research, policy and practice and to promote evidence based policy making.
It was attended by researchers from various countries, mostly African, as well as policy makers and other development agents. From the Economic Policy Research Centre, Mr. Corti Paul Lakuma and Mr. Joseph Mawejje both Research Analysts represented the Centre and presented papers at this conference.
The Senegalese’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Prof. Mary Tew Niane, officially opened this event. He stressed the need for evidence based policy making to promote sustainable growth in Africa. He also highlighted the willingness and commitment of the Senegalese government to work with UN University towards its implementation.
Various topics that address economic analysis of the broad issues relevant for economic development in Africa were covered including: Governance, institutions and development; Regional integration in Africa; Knowledge, innovation and development; Agriculture, energy, and natural resources; Climate change, environment and development; Poverty and inequality; Fiscal and Monetary Policy; Human capital, skill formation and migration; Conflict, corruption; Gender and Development.
The conference offered plenary addresses, with speakers reflecting broadly on topics while presenting their research findings. This was followed by ample discussions which aimed to set an agenda for identifying key research areas for the new UNU institute in Dakar.
UNU-MERIT and CRES have launched the initiative to establish a new UNU institute in Dakar. The new institute will work on the broad topics of economic and social research, with the aim of facilitating informed policymaking in Africa. To this end, the conference aims to promote the exchange of cutting-edge research among academics, policymakers, and other development practitioners.