China, India, Brazil, and South Africa (CIBS) have an important impact on the global economy through growth and trade effects, and their roles in financial markets. Meanwhile, by forging political alliances among themselves and with others, they are increasingly active and vocal on the world stage. As a result, the ‘rise of CIBS’ is expected to have profound implications for international governance.

This conference will focus on the inter-linkages between CIBS and the global economy, including the impact of these economies on their respective regions. The main themes are growth, trade, international finance, global governance and geopolitics. Comparative studies are particularly welcome.

The conference is expected to cover the following (non-exhaustive) topics:

• Implications of CIBS growth for other economies: opportunities, challenges, and threats

• Growth paths and development prospects of CIBS, including possible setbacks, lessons and experiences for other countries

• Commodity and services trade: the changing patterns of trade; competitive and complementary trade relationships; and volatility in commodity prices

• Capital flows and financial markets: the role, determinants and spill-over effects of FDI; government strategies in attracting FDI, prevention of financial crisis, exchange rate regimes; capital account control/decontrol

• CIBS role in WTO negotiations, regional trade arrangements, and the implications for Southern economies

• Possible consequence for energy demand, climate change and regional tensions

• Technology transfer, intellectual property rights, and national research policies

• Political economy and international governance issues, including implications for foreign policies.

The conference is intended primarily for researchers and policymakers from the academic, government, and development communities. Advanced PhD students in economics or other social science disciplines may attend, but the conference is not suitable for under-graduates or Master’s Degree students.

Submissions
Those wishing to present papers should send detailed abstracts or complete drafts (strongly preferred) to cibs@wider.unu.edu.

Others wishing to attend (e.g. PhD students, policymakers, NGO representatives, journalists) should briefly explain their interest in the conference. All applicants should fill in an application form www.wider.unu.edu and submit a short CV. The deadline for submissions is 14 May 2007. Final copies of accepted papers are required by 1 August 2007.

Funding
There is no conference fee. Subject to UN procedures, UNU-WIDER will cover accommodation and meals during the conference period. Travel expenses will also be covered for some participants, with preference given to those from developing countries.

Conference language
The conference is held in English (simultaneous translation will not be available).

For more information on our activities and the website, please contact:

Ara Kazandjian
World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER)
Katajanokanlaituri 6 B,
00160 Helsinki,
Finland

Email: ara@wider.unu.edu

Tel. +358-9-6159911,

Fax. +358-9-61599333

http://www.wider.unu.edu

April 3, 2007.