Global Development Institute Blog

The DSA’s annual conference in 2020 will take place at the University of Birmingham from 17-19 June. The conference will focus centrally on “New Leadership for Global Challenges”, while also encompassing the broad range of development studies interests. The conference aims to investigate where and how leadership is emerging at global, regional and local levels to address critical issues such as climate emergency, identity-based inequalities, poverty, violence, ill-health, resource plunder, and digital surveillance.

Researchers from the Global Development Institute will be convening 7 panels during the conference. See the full selection of panels.

Digital Development Leadership

The new digital development paradigm has profound implications on how data- and technology-intensive development is led and by whom. We seek contributions that explicate characteristics, requirements and implications – positive and negative – resulting from the leadership of digital development.

Convenors:

  • Jaco Renken (University of Manchester)
  • Richard Heeks (University of Manchester)
  • Epiphania Kimaro (University of Manchester)

Propose a paper

Systems leadership, complexity and the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

This panel explores the concept and dynamics of systems leadership, with the aim of illuminating how it could help to address complex policy challenges such as poverty and inequalities, and promote the attainment of the global goals.

Convenor:

  • Kelechi Ekuma (University of Manchester)

Propose a paper

Migration and inequality: implications for development, research and practice

Migration and inequalities are tightly connected. We welcome papers that contribute to the conceptual development of the relationship between migration and inequalities as well as original case studies. We are particularly interested in South-South migration and in various types of inequalities.

Convenors:

  • Tanja Bastia (University of Manchester)
  • Laura Hammond (SOAS)
  • Anita Ghimire (NCCR)

Propose a paper

Shifting South: Governance of Regional Value Chains and Implications for Social Standards

South-South regional value chains (RVCs) are increasingly led by Southern firms governing via private standards.The panel examines whether RVCs incorporate social standards (covering decent work and fair trade). Or whether RVCs facilitate more effective state regulation of social standards and trade

Convenors:

  • Giovanni Pasquali (University of Manchester)
  • Khalid Nadvi (University of Manchester)
  • Matthew Alford (University of Manchester)
  • Stephanie Barrientos (Global Development Institute, University of Manchester)

Propose a paper

Leadership, political settlements and bureaucratic ‘pockets of effectiveness’: exploring the role of ‘technopols’ in delivering development

The role of bureaucratic ‘pockets of effectiveness’ in delivering development often relies heavily on the role of ‘technopols’, leaders of both governments and organisations who not only possess a technical command of their field but also an ability to navigate difficult political terrains.

Convenor:

  • Sam Hickey (University of Manchester)

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The political economy and political ecology of land

This panel explores the political economy and political ecology of land and natural resource tenure. We seek theoretical, empirical and policy-driven papers, analysing the factors shaping change in land tenure and enforcement, and how social differentiation creates scope for new policy leadership.

Convenors:

  • Tom Lavers (University of Manchester)
  • Matt Kandel (SOAS)

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Leadership (in)capacity and development: investigating the impact of leadership-training programmes on building capacities in developing and transition countries

Leadership training programmes claim to develop a democratic, ethical, professional and rational generation of leaders of NGOs and other civil society organisations. This panel investigates if, how and to what extent such training has influenced the individuals and organisations that they represent

Convenors:

  • Asad Ghalib (Liverpool Hope University)
  • Justice Bawole (University of Ghana Business School)
  • Issam Malki (University of Westminster)
  • Aminu Mamman (University of Manchester)
  • Ahmad Nawaz (COMSATS Institute of Information Technology)

Propose a paper

Note: This article gives the views of the author/academic featured and does not represent the views of the Global Development Institute as a whole.