Human-Centered Economics: The Living Standards of Nations

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The Fab, at the Geneva Graduate Institute, Room S12, Petal 2, 4th floor | Maison de la Paix, Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2

Join us for a conversation with Richard Samans, the ILO’s Director of Research and G20 Finance Deputy, to dive into the arguments and implications of his new book "Human-Centered Economics: The Living Standards of Nations".

The book advocates for a transformative shift in macroeconomics emphasizing societal well-being and related enabling institutions over mere economic growth in order to address the rising demand for stronger progress in household living standards in countries at all levels of economic development. Can the source code of capitalism - liberal economic theory and the advice and assistance of international economic institutions - be rewritten to better serve a world facing increased inequality and disruption from AI and climate change?

With a panel of distinguished scholars and policy-makers, we will explore the conceptual and policy shift proposed, and what this could mean in practice for countries and the planet. Can the sum of international cooperation be made greater than its parts?

The discussion will be moderated by Cédric Dupont, TASC Platform Co-Chair, Professor of International Relations & Political Science, Geneva Graduate Institute.

AGENDA

18:15 - Welcome and setting the scene - Cédric Dupont

18:20 - Key arguments and proposals – discussion with Richard Samans

18:45 - Discussion with special guests:

Internalizing the social contract in macroeconomics: What is the fundamental shift needed in pedagogy and policy practice to better reconcile capitalism with social justice, including with respect to environmental justice?

Institutionalizing inclusion, sustainability and resilience in international governance and cooperation: How should the international financial and trade architecture be reformed so that it matches the ambition of the SDGs, Paris agreement and ILO Centenary Declaration?

19:15 - Q&A and open discussion with the audience

19:45 - Cocktail reception

The author

Richard Samans is Director of the International Labour Organization’s Research Department and has been its Sherpa to the G20, G7 and BRICS processes. He was formerly Founder and Chairman of the Climate Standards Disclosure Board, a Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, and Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute. He served in the second Clinton-Gore Administration as Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Policy and NSC Senior Director for International Economic Affairs and was previously economic policy advisor to US Senate Democratic Leader Thomas A. Daschle.