MNS: Poverty in Bhutan has a rural face. According to the latest estimates available, around 98 percent of the poor are living in rural areas. In efforts to understand the importance of economics and politics for the eradication of poverty, UNDP together with the Gross National Happiness Commission and the Royal Thimphu College organized a two day international conference from 15-16 October.
\nTechnical sessions on topics like the Macro Framework for Inclusive Growth, Poverty & Health, Social Protection, and Democracy among other topics were presented to students, faculty and other guests who attended the conference.
\nVarious academicians; policy makers and researchers from, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Canada and Bhutan attended the conference. Longjam Meena Devi, a Research Scholar in Manipur university with her paper entitled \u201cEmpowering women through alternative media\u201d and Oinam Goldflag Meetei a lecturer in Sherubtse college, Bhutan on his paper entitled \u201cRTI ACT in India\u201d were among the delegates who presented the papers in the conference.
\nThe conference themed Interplay of Economics, Politics and Society for Inclusive Growth provided a platform for discussion on the various thematic pillars for inclusive growth paths – policies, processes and institutions. The conference theme was closely aligned to the overall goal of the 11th Five Year Plan of Bhutan -Self Reliance and Inclusive Green Socio-Economic Development. Best practices from the region experiences from different countries were also presented on the issue of inclusive growth.
\nUNDP Economist, Mr. BasudebGuha presented the comparative trends of income disparity between Bhutan, Nepal and the rest of the world. He also stressed on the importance of polarization and its impact on inclusive development, saying \u201cto measure polarization we need to decompose of inequality\u201d.
\nUNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Claire Van der Vaeren in her statement said that the definition of inclusive development remains controversial due to difference in views such as \u201cgrowth might be inclusive if inequality declines\u201d and the other thought group which supports \u201cgrowth should be considered to be inclusive as long as poverty declines\u201d. She also added that in the case of Bhutan, the rapid growth has been accompanied by significant progress in poverty reduction and other MDG indicators.
\nThe event was attended by students, academicians and policy makers from countries within the region for a focused discussion on the issues relevant for inclusive growth and effective empowerment of the marginalized.<\/p>\n\n