20 Years of Research, Data, and Analytics on Poverty, Inequality and Human Capital

Since 2002, the Knowledge for Change Umbrella Program (KCP), housed in the Development Economics Vice Presidency (DEC) of the World Bank, has been supporting innovative research, data, and analytical projects to expand the knowledge frontier in development policy and practice. The KCP’s 20th anniversary celebration (“KCP20+”), to be implemented through a series of events, will serve as dialogues on knowledge generation in international development that cross sectors, generations, and borders. The events will showcase the evolution of research and knowledge in over the past 20 years, demonstrate the program’s impacts, and explore new solutions to tangibly strengthen the linkage between fundamental research and development interventions. The events will be anchored in the three core objectives of the KCP program:

  1. Generating, operationalizing, and disseminating knowledge
  2. Transforming evidence, data, and insights into policy change
  3. Improving the enabling environment to democratize development knowledge through partnerships, capacity building, and innovation

A total of three events are envisioned. The first event, centered on issues related to conflicts, migration, and climate change, took place on Nov 2, 2022. This note will provide more information on the background of the second event, proposed to happen in January 2023.

The two-part hybrid event will last for three hours, separated into two equal parts. Part I will focus on poverty and inequality; and Part II will deep-dive into human capital. Each part will follow the same structure, beginning with a presentation on the evolution of research and knowledge in the respective theme. A panel discussion will follow that features diverse perspectives from stakeholder groups such as academia, governments, international organizations, and non-state actors. The speakers and panelists may also comment on the linkages between poverty and inequality and human capital. A question-and-answer session (accessible for both in-person and remote attendees) will occur at the end of each segment.

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)

Location: Hybrid

Date: Thursday, February 2, 2023