NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Schools should provide a safe and nurturing environment where children are able to learn and thrive. Yet high rates of girls and boys continue to experience violence in and around schools. Such exposure not only violates children’s right to a safe education, but also prevents them from fully benefiting from it. A growing body of evidence shows that school-related violence has adverse and lasting consequences for children’s learning, mental health, and future employment prospects. Emerging research is identifying promising pathways to reduce such violence. However, important knowledge gaps remain—limiting practitioners’ ability to respond effectively and sustainably reduce its prevalence and impact.

On February 10-11, 2026, CGD will host a one-and-a-half-day in-person workshop at the CGD offices in Washington, D.C., to examine the drivers, consequences, and pathways to preventing school-related violence in low- and middle-income countries. We invite submissions of studies that investigate these issues, as well as studies that explore the links between school-related violence and violence occurring in other settings.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for economists, public health specialists, and education experts from diverse institutions and countries to present research, exchange ideas, build relationships, and shape a future research agenda that informs policymaking to end violence in and around schools.

Submissions
Submissions for this workshop have now closed.

Notifications of acceptance
Notifications of acceptance will be circulated by December 1st, 2025.

Funding
There is no fee to attend the workshop. There are limited resources to finance conference travel for a handful of presenters based in low- and middle-income countries and/or graduate student presenters. As funding is limited, we encourage participants with access to research or institutional funds to use them. If you would like to be considered for travel funding, please indicate that on your cover page when submitting the paper. Presenters selected for travel and accommodation support will be notified at the time of notification of paper acceptance.

Scientific Committee
Sofia Amaral, Economist, South Asia Region Gender Innovation Lab, World Bank

Lelys Dinarte-Diaz, Economist, Development Research Group, World Bank

David Evans, Director, Global Education and Child Well-Being Program and Senior Fellow, CGD

Jenny Parkes, Professor, University College London

Gabriela Smarrelli, Senior Research Associate, CGD