November 14, 2013

International delegates convene to discuss development issues faced in the Asian Century

Academics and policy makers converged over issues relating to poverty, inequality, food security, migration and other relevant topics.

The inaugural Health, Environment, Development and Growth (HEDGE) research centre workshop brought together world renowned academics, professionals and policy makers from national and international development agencies to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in the Asian Century. The workshop was held on 6 and 7 November at the University of Wollongong.

Invited participants came from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, APEC, ACCC, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the Australian National University, Flinders University and the Universities of Queensland and Adelaide.

Specialist presenters, including keynote speaker Professor Guanhua Wan, Principal Economist with the ADB Manila, covered issues relating to poverty, inequality, food security, migration and other relevant topics. A special panel discussion to commemorate former colleague Professor DP Chaudhri was held on emerging issues in the Asia regions, which included lively discussions from experienced academics and policy makers, as well as early career researchers, and HDR and undergraduate students. A student prize was awarded in his memory to Jennifer Messieh.

Director of HEDGE, Professor Amnon Levy and the organising committee,Dr Reetu Verma, Dr Cassey Lee, Associate Professor Ed Wilson and Dr Kankesu Jayanthakumaran wish to thank the Asian Development Bank, The Economic Society of Australia and the Asian Century Institute for their promotional support. The successful event has sparked discussions for the workshop to continue on an annual basis.