United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) warmly welcomes you to join the first event of the year in our Think WIDER – New perspectives on development webinar series. This event series features a line-up of eminent researchers and development specialists who present their work and discuss new perspectives to the topic of global development.

1 February 2022 | 16:00-17:00 Helsinki time | Register for the event here

Diana Mitlin is professor of global urbanism at The University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute and principal researcher at the International Institute for Environment and Development. This webinar goes over important issues in urban economies and its research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Why urban poverty in sub-Saharan Africa needs more attention?

The challenges facing urban economies in sub-Saharan Africa are considerable. Yet while development economics is a well-established field, relatively little attention has been paid to urban economies in the global South. With research in this area increasing, it is crucial to reflect on what we need to understand better.

It is now widely accepted that urban areas are rife with inadequate livelihood opportunities and considerable poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of those working in the urban economy, with unaffordable and unavailable essential services as well as lockdowns preventing the mobility that is essential for economic activities.

But while the additional costs incurred by both households and companies through inadequate public service provision are now recognised, improvements have not been delivered. As such, increases in productivity remain a major challenge for urban economies.

Michael Danquah joins the event as a discussant. The webinar will be chaired by UNU-WIDER Director Kunal Sen.

Register for the event here.

Kind regards,

Leeni Varis Communications Team Assistant
United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research Phone +358 (0)9 615 99257 Email varis@wider.unu.edu Web wider.unu.edu Katajanokanlaituri 6 B, FI-00160 Helsinki, Finland