The past two decades have seen dramatic gains in human development. Poverty is falling, child survival rates are increasing, and education indicators are on a rising trend. During the same time period new modes of development ideas and practices have evolved that includes local communities and the poor in finding solutions, and, in addition, points to partnering with business to address systemic challenges such as poverty, environmental degradation and climate change. Yet, wealth distribution within countries is diverging – and persistent inequalities in opportunity are holding back progress in health, education and employment. This lecture will address these dilemmas and discuss possible ways forward, from both a human development perspective and a business perspective.

The lecture will be followed by a discussion panel “Role of business in development”. The lecture will be livestreamed at http://kapuscinskilectures.eu. You can follow the lecture via http://twitter.com/kapulectures. Ask your questions to Kevin Watkins using #kapu.

Date: 5 March, 2013,  10:30am GMT / 11:30am CET – check time around the world
Venue: Stockholm School of Economics, the Auditorium

Get involved in the lecture! You can:

• participate in discussion and ask your questions to Kevin Watkins using #kapu in your tweets
• follow livestreaming at http://kapuscinskilectures.eu/ and live tweeting at http://twitter.com/kapulectures

Agenda:

11.30–11.40 Welcome and Introduction by Stockholm School of Economics, European Commission (Mr. Pierre Schellekens, Head of the European Commission Representation in Stockholm) and UNDP (Ms. Monica Lorensson, Liaison Officer, UNDP Nordic Office)

11.40–12.10 Keynote speech: “Inequality as a barrier to human development” Kevin Watkins

12.10–12.45 Panel discussion: “The role of business in development”
Panel: Kevin Watkins, Marianne Barner, Christina Båge-Friborg,
Karin Holmquist, Mia Horn af Rantzien, Lin Lerpold, Örjan Sjöberg
Moderator: Susanne Sweet

12.45–13.00 Q & A and closing