Conference Explores Sustainable Development in a Post-Covid-19 World

Speakers from organisations including Frank Water, Tiyeni Malawi and Farmers Overseas Action Group will come together at the University of Worcester for an annual conference, organised by the University’s School of Science and the Environment and BEACONS Development Education Centre for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It takes place on Saturday, March 12 from 10am to 3.15pm.

In its most recent SDG Progress Report, the UN asserts that decades of development progress have been halted, or in some cases reversed, and during 2020 the global extreme poverty rate rose for the first time in 20 years. Beyond its immediate impact on health and mortality, the pandemic has had a catastrophic impact globally on educational achievement, health services and economic growth resulting in a widening of economic and gender inequalities.

The economic fall-out of Covid-19 has also led to changes in flows of international aid, amid controversial cuts to overseas aid budgets at a time when many are arguing for greater multilateralism and the full participation of all societies in response to a new development crisis.

The speakers, which will also include academics and students from the University, will explore how Covid-19 has affected global development and progress towards the SDGs, how the international aid landscape has changed, challenges and opportunities, and what action needs to be taken by different stakeholders to enhance resilience to future pandemics?

Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free. For free tickets visit Eventbrite