Devconf-2026

The world is witnessing dramatic changes in its order defined by a state of sustained and compounding uncertainties. Geopolitical conflicts are disrupting trade, investment, and energy supply chains; increasing climate variability is amplifying the impacts of climate change; and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is poised to reshape labour markets, productivity, and economic structures, among other structural changes. At the same time, demographic transitions, technological disruptions, and evolving patterns of globalisation are creating both new opportunities and new risks.
As India advances towards the mission of Viksit Bharat, these developments present both opportunities and challenges. Understanding their implications for growth, inclusion, sustainability, and resilience has therefore become increasingly important. In this context, it is pertinent to examine these emerging challenges through an academic lens and explore policies and strategies that can foster inclusive and resilient national development despite these uncertainties.

With this aim, the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), in its 39th year since inception, is organising a two-day Fourth Biennial Conference on Development from December 21 to 22, 2026. The theme of this year's conference is Navigating Global Uncertainties for Resilient and Inclusive Growth. The conference will include keynote addresses and technical sessions on these broad themes. The conference intends to bring together policymakers, academicians and researchers to examine the interconnections among these emerging challenges and identify pathways for addressing them. The conference will provide a forum for presenting and discussing high-quality innovative academic and policy-relevant research on the following themes and sub-themes:

• Digital Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Structural Transformation
Digital Technologies and Poverty Reduction
AI, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth
AI and the Transformation of Agriculture, Industry, and Services
AI, Employment, and the Future of Work

• Energy, Environment, and Climate Change
Energy access, affordability and reliability
Clean energy transition modeling and policies
Environmental regulations and policy instruments
Climate change risks, resilience and adaptation
Climate financing and just transitions

• Conflicts and Long-term Development
Conflict and development outcomes
Measuring economic costs of conflict
Measuring spillovers of local conflicts
Post conflict development

• Demographic Transition and Labour Markets
Population Aging and Labour Market Adjustments
Demographic Dividend: Opportunities and Challenges
Migration, Mobility, and Labour Market Outcomes
Demographic Transition and Future Skill Requirements
Platform Economy and Gig Work in Demographic Transition

IGIDR invites faculty and research students from academic institutions and think tanks to submit original research papers for the conference. Each accepted paper will be allocated 30 minutes at the conference, including discussant comments and audience discussion. The last date for submitting the extended abstract is August 31, 2026 (midnight IST).