The Office of the Chief Economist for the South Asia Region of the World Bank—in collaboration with the Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy Global Practice of the World Bank—and the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) organized the 12th South Asia Economic Policy Network Conference in Dhaka from 30-31 October 2023. The conference, linked to the 2023 South Asia Development Update report, focused on the topic of Green Growth in South Asia.
More than two decades of sustained economic growth across most of South Asia have raised living standards and brought about significant poverty reduction. However, the region is facing severe and rising environmental pollution, with major adverse impacts on health and productivity. South Asia is also very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with some South Asian countries being among those most affected by climate change-induced increase in weather shocks worldwide. Poor households and the small, informal firms in which they tend to work are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and pollution. There is a need for concerted policy action to address these challenges.
The purpose of the conference was to convene distinguished experts and thought leaders on this topic and promote quality economic research by providing a platform for academics, researchers, policy advocates, and young aspiring economists to discuss the then-current situation, challenges, and policy priorities related to green growth in South Asia.
The themes and topics of the papers included:
