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