Background
UNU-WIDER seeks paper submissions for the 2026 WIDER Development Conference, in partnership with
the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), New Delhi. The 2026 WIDER Development
Conference, Growth, governance, and geopolitics in a fractured world order, convenes experts from
around the globe to examine the latest research and policy thinking on contemporary transformations of
the global economic order and pathways for the Global South.
This call for papers seeks proposals for innovative research contributions that speak to the central
themes of the conference:
The global system of economic governance
The debt crisis: determinants and solutions
Financing global development: the role of development banks
Development cooperation and the role of emerging economy donors
The breakdown of the multilateral trading system: implications for low income countries
South-South trade, investment, and technology transfer
Determinants and impacts of South-South trade and investment
Trade, intellectual property rights and technology transfer in the Global South
Regional value chains and economic growth
Industrial successes in East Asia: Lessons and implications for South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa
Green industrialization and the clean energy transition
Green industrialization and green industrial policy in the developing world
Adaptation and mitigation policies for low and middle income countries
Environmental taxation and fiscal policies for zero-carbon pathways in the Global South
Circular economy solutions to the climate crisis
Inequalities and inclusive growth in a multi-polar world
Global inequalities: the major drivers and solutions across countries
Labour market inequalities and inclusive growth
Patterns and determinants of intergenerational mobility
Alternate pathways for inclusive economic growth: the role of services and manufacturing
About the conference
The WIDER Development Conference, scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India from 18–20 March
2026, in partnership with the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), convenes experts
from around the globe to examine the latest research on contemporary crises and transformations of the
global economic order and the rising influence of Global South countries.
The conference addresses a range of critical topics, including the future of aid, how global governance is
changing in the 21st century, trade and geopolitics in a fractured world order, prospects for South-South
cooperation, and opportunities for green industrialization to drive Southern economic growth in light of
the climate crisis.
The conference combines keynote lectures, plenary sessions focusing on policy-oriented discussions,
and presentations of high-quality research, creating a platform for academics and policymakers to
interact. While grounded in research, the parallel sessions emphasize translating findings into practical
policy recommendations.
Each session will be chaired by a policy expert, aiming to connect research outcomes with actionable
guidance. Several sessions will also be held in collaboration with key international and regional
institutions.
Submission procedure
Interested applicants wishing to present original research at the conference on the topics discussed
above should complete the online application form. We particularly encourage submissions from earlycareer, female, and Global South researchers.
Each paper submission will require:
• An up-to-date CV.
• An an extended abstract (in PDF format) of around 500–800 words in plain
English text which should summarize the research question, the main methods
and data, and key findings and larger implications of the research paper. This
document should also include all author names and affiliations.
Any queries on the call for papers should be sent to callforpapers@wider.unu.edu.
Funding will be made available for accepted applicants who are nationals of LICs and LMICs, should
assistance be required to cover travel and subsistence costs. There is no conference fee.
Previously unpublished papers presented at the conference will be considered for publication in the
WIDER Working Paper Series.
Important dates
1 September 2025 Submission deadline 23:59 EEST
1 October 2025 Target date for acceptance/rejection notification
18–20 March 2026 Conference
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