In an era characterised by global transformations and unforeseen challenges, human development has assumed unprecedented significance. Nowhere is this more evident than in India's vibrant and diverse landscape, a nation aspiring to become one of the global leaders in all spheres of human development. As we prepare to gather for the second annual Public Policy Dialogues at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad Campus, our focus turns to the compelling theme of "Human Development" and its vital importance.

The world is in the midst of seismic shifts, from the enduring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the urgent calls for climate action, social justice, and equitable access to education and healthcare. In this evolving landscape, the conference theme gains even greater resonance, serving as a compass to navigate the complexities of our times.

India's story is a mosaic of opportunities, aspirations, and disparities within the grand tapestry of human development. Our nation is at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as improving school learning outcomes, grappling with institutional challenges in social development, striving for universal health coverage, mitigating climate change, fostering livelihood diversification and skills enhancement, and enhancing nutritional outcomes for millions.

Against this backdrop, our conference emerges as a crucial platform for dialogue and action. We recognise that India's journey towards holistic human development is not a solitary endeavour but a global responsibility. The collective wisdom and collaborative spirit of our participants hold the power to shape not only India's future but also influence the global discourse on human development.

The Public Policy Dialogues is not just an academic exercise but a call to action. It is an opportunity to examine India's distinctive challenges, share innovative solutions, and foster partnerships that can catalyse change. Our discussions here will reverberate far beyond the four walls of ISB, influencing policies, initiatives, and collective efforts to enhance human development in India and worldwide.

India is a beacon of hope and resilience, with a vibrant democracy and a diverse population committed to realising the vision of a better tomorrow. ISB's Public Policy Dialogues 2024 seek to amplify this commitment, celebrating the enduring spirit of India and its role in addressing the pressing issues of our times.

As we embark on this enriching journey, let us remember that human development is not just an aspiration but the cornerstone of progress, equality, and justice. Together, we shall explore, innovate, and drive change, ensuring that human development in India becomes a global success story—a testament to our shared humanity and resilience in the face of challenges.

The second annual Public Policy Dialogues at the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad Campus delves into the multifaceted landscape of "Human Development." This year's event encompasses six compelling sub-themes, each addressing critical facets of human development that are pivotal for India's growth and well-being.

Improving Learning Outcomes in Schools

Education is the cornerstone of human development. This sub-theme focuses on strategies to enhance school learning outcomes, bridging the knowledge divide, and nurturing the next generation's potential. By discussing innovative capacity-building interventions, policy interventions and technology integration, we aim to pave the way for a brighter education ecosystem in India.

Institutional Challenges in Social Development

Social development is intrinsically linked to institutional effectiveness. This sub-theme focuses on the hurdles and solutions in building robust institutions that can efficiently drive social development programs. The focus will be on various interventions focussed upon multiple domains of social development, decentralisation and democratisation- success stories, hurdles, public-private partnerships, and policy implementation, through which we seek to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.

Universal Health Coverage

Universal Health Coverage is a fundamental step towards social inclusion. This sub-theme explores various interventions in the area, policy analysis, proposed interventions, best practices, and challenges which can lead to robust healthcare infrastructure improving society's overall well-being.

Climate Action and Justice

Sustainability and climate justice are indispensable aspects of human development. This sub-theme addresses various academic and action-oriented ongoing interventions for combating climate change, commitment to environmental conservation, and pursuing sustainable development goals. By discussing biofuels, green initiatives, renewable energy, and climate adaptation, we strive to create a greener and more equitable future.

Livelihood Diversification and Skills

Economic empowerment is central to human development. This sub-theme delves into understanding various academic and action-oriented ongoing interventions in livelihood diversification and skill development as pathways to economic growth. We will examine the benefits and challenges of job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship and its overall impact on society.

Improved Nutritional Outcomes

Nutrition is the foundation of human well-being. This sub-theme focuses on academic and action-oriented ongoing interventions in improving nutritional outcomes. By addressing issues such as malnutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture, we aim to ensure everyone can access nutritious food for a healthier, more prosperous life.

In the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business invites submissions for roundtable discussions, panel proposals, innovation sandbox projects, and research poster proposals across these six sub-themes. One can also attend the conference by registering as a delegate. Together, we can chart a course towards holistic human development, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.

The conference has been designed to integrate research presentations, group discussions, expert opinions, and participant interactions through diverse expert panels, roundtable discussions, innovation sandbox, and research poster presentations. The conference will not uphold any ‘live’ research presentations but will have poster presentations of shortlisted  research submissions.

Expert Panels

These panels will include leading experts on a specific topic or issue within the broad public policy domain. The panelists will bring their experience to bear on the topic, preferably from multiple perspectives within each panel. Specifically, these panels will be designed to provide the audience with a state-of-the-art understanding of the topic through an informed conversation among experts and serve to frame the broad contours of a problem or issue through moderated discussion.

Roundtables

Roundtables are most suited to facilitate conversations across divides – between different disciplines and researchers and practitioners – and are, therefore, designed to take the form of informed discussions rather than sequential presentations. The main thrust is to generate a lively debate wherein participants can discuss tough questions, discover partners, review developments, and propose novel ideas for discussion. The conversations of each roundtable will be transcribed, and a report will be produced for further publication.

Innovation Sandbox Presentations

Public policy design and implementation have witnessed an explosion of various forms and types of innovations. Case studies and best practices in public policy and implementation should be shared for broader reach. Considering this, Public Policy Dialogues will focus on sharing innovations and best practices, which will be presented during the conference.

Research Poster Presentations

Using technology to our advantage, we request the submission of abstracts and posters of the research presentation. Advanced Research (which presents results and conclusions for discussion) and Research in Progress (which presents ongoing work where results are either preliminary or yet to be obtained) are encouraged. Authors must provide the co-authors' names, designation, affiliations, email id, and contact numbers.

Delegate Registration

• Registration Opens: October 12, 2023
• Registration Fee: Rs 1000/-
• Delegate Registration & Payment Form : CLICK HERE

Proposal Submission & Acceptance

• Proposal Submission Period: October 12, 2023, to December 4, 2023
• Notification of Selected Proposals: December 4, 2023.
• Registration of Presenters after selection of proposals: December 4, 2023 to December 15, 2023
• Proposal Submission Form: CLICK HERE
• Registration Fee: Rs 1000/- per participant after the proposal is selected.

Those interested in submitting the proposal for Curated Panels, Roundtables, Poster Presentations, and Innovation Sandbox can submit their proposal through the Proposal Submission Form. We will be accepting the proposals from 12^th Oct to 4^th Dec 2023. The decision on Selected Proposals will be communicated by 4^th Dec 2023. The presenter/panelists/discussants of the selected proposal can complete their registration through the Selected Proposal Payment Gateway from 4th Dec 2023 till 15^th Dec 2023. If your proposal (roundtable/expert panel/poster presentation/innovation sandbox) is selected, the concerned team of panelists/roundtable participants/ presenters/co-authors will be responsible for completing their payment. The registration fee for each participant is Rs 1000. 

The participants will have to arrange for their accommodation on their own. ISB will not be able to provide accommodation facilities to participants.