POLICY ENGAGEMENTS

1st Development Economics Workshop

Professor Habib Rahman chaired the inaugural Development Economics Workshop hosted by the Department of Economics, Durham University, in June 2024. This two-day event brought together leading economists, policymakers, and development practitioners to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration aimed at advancing evidence-based strategies to improve global living standards. The workshop featured distinguished keynote speakers, including H.E. Desra Percaya, Ambassador of Indonesia to the United Kingdom, and Professor Kaushik Basu, renowned economist and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. 

Bridging Academia and Diplomacy: Engagement with H.E. Desra Percaya, Ambassador of Indonesia to the United Kingdom

During the 1st Development Economics Workshop at Durham University in June 2024, Professor Habib Rahman hosted an insightful policy conversation with H.E. Desra Percaya, Ambassador of Indonesia to the United Kingdom. The session highlighted the vital role of dialogue between academics and diplomats in addressing real-world development challenges. By bringing research and policy together, the event aimed to inspire practical solutions that can improve lives, particularly in developing countries. It also showcased Durham’s growing role as a hub for global policy discussions.

2nd Development Economics Workshop

Professor Habib Rahman chaired the 2nd Development Economics Workshop at Durham University in June 2025, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and diplomats to explore solutions for global development challenges. Keynote speakers included Professor Marcel Fafchamps (Stanford University) and Professor Karen Macours (Paris School of Economics). The event also welcomed H.E. Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, highlighting the growing role of DEW as a bridge between research and policy.

Policy Dialogue with H.E. Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK

During the 2nd Development Economics Workshop at Durham University in June 2025, Professor Habib Rahman hosted H.E. Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, for a high-level policy engagement. Her participation underscored the growing importance of connecting academic research with real-world policy to address development challenges. The dialogue focused on strengthening UK–Bangladesh collaboration in areas such as inclusive growth, climate resilience, and evidence-based policymaking, reinforcing Durham’s role as a hub for global development discourse.

Regional Policy Dialogue on the Paris Agreement: Advancing NDC Implementation Across Continents

We successfully organized the regional consultative meeting on the Paris Agreement in Perth on 18–19 October. The event brought together esteemed high-level policymakers and government officials—including ministers and senior secretaries—from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The meeting was inaugurated with opening remarks and speeches by Professor David Mickler (Curtin University), Professor Michael Neaf (Durham University), Mr. Irfan Maqbool (ADPC), Ms. Katherine Rees (DFAT), and the Honourable Minister Reece Whitby MLA (WA Minister for Environment and Climate Action). The discussions provided valuable insights into both market-based and non-market-based approaches to implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), contributing significantly to regional climate action strategies. 

COP29 Debrief: Renewing Climate Commitments and Unlocking Finance for the Global South 

The COP29 Debrief Event provided an important platform to reflect on key outcomes from the conference. While COP29 did not secure a commitment to phase out fossil fuels, it marked a significant step forward with developed countries renewing their pledge to provide USD 300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing nations. Another major development was the activation of the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), which aims to facilitate international carbon credit trading and has the potential to become a vital source of climate finance for developing countries.