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Bridging Divides: Evidence-Based Policies for Inequality Reduction and Sustainable Development
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When
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From Tuesday october 7 2025 to Wednesday october 8 2025
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Schedule
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From 9am to 6pm
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Where
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Paris and online
International conference of the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities
The conference
On October 7–8, 2025, AFD hosted the international conference of the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities and its Extension, titled: “Bridging Divides: Evidence-Based Policies for Inequality Reduction and Sustainable Development.”
This two-day event will bring together a variety of leading voices to address one of the most urgent questions of our time:
How can we reconcile social and environmental goals in a just transition—and how can we finance it?
As inequalities grow and climate threats escalate, low- and middle-income countries face the urgent challenge of reducing poverty and inequality while pursuing sustainable development. In response, international and research efforts are converging to promote justice-driven, inclusive solutions that align social and environmental goals.
This conference will build on years of research from the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities to explore concrete pathways, innovative financing, and integrated policy solutions linking social equity and environmental sustainability.
Why attend this conference?
- Explore concrete solutions for just transitions: social protection, fiscal equity, sustainable energy and inclusive investment
- Gain insights from international case studies (Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa…)
- Take away clear policy recommendations for international stakeholders
- Join a collective reflection on building fairer and more sustainable development paths
This conference is intended for:
Policymakers, academic researchers, development professionals, financial institutions, and civil society actors working to shape more just and resilient development pathways.
Join us on 7 & 8 October to explore solutions, forge partnerships, and turn evidence into action.
Reducing Inequalities: Insights from the EU-AFD Research Facility
This brochure presents further information on the findings, tools, and partnerships developed as part of the EU–AFD Research Facility on Inequalities between 2020 and 2025.
Replays
The replays of the sessions held on 7 October 2025 are available below:
By Koen DOENS (European Commission) and Rémy RIOUX (AFD)
By Gabriel ZUCMAN (EU Tax Observatory) with reactions from Thomas MELONIO (AFD)
Setting the scene based by Mathilde COURNUT (European Commission), with Erica GERRETSEN (European Commission), Sebastian NIETO PARRA (OECD), Susana RUIZ (Oxfam International) and Fabian VILLALBA (National Planning Department, Colombia)
Today, the just dimension of the transition is mostly resumed to how social policies can compensate the impacts of the transition and how fiscal policies can be used to enable it. This panel will examine the critical intersection of social and fiscal policies in reducing inequalities, making the distinction between short-term and long-term impacts, and promoting inclusive growth in low- and middle-income countries in the context of green transitions. As economies face environmental, social, and economic transitions, the panel will address how well-designed social protection mechanisms as well as broader social policies and fiscal strategies can ensure resilience and equity, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Setting the scene by Anda DAVID (AFD), with Muhammad HANRI (University of Indonesia), Andrea HURTADO (Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mexico), Lebogang MULAISI (Presidential Climate Commission, South Africa) and Mike MULCAHY (Green Cape)
This panel explored how sustainable energy transitions and environmental policies can be designed and implemented to actively reduce inequality in low- and middle-income countries. The discussion was centered around the ways in which green policies and renewable energy initiatives can foster social mobility, economic inclusion, and equitable access to resources, while addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
By focusing on real-world examples, the panel delved into the intersection of environmental sustainability and social equity, providing critical insights on how low- and middle-income countries can transition to green economies while addressing historical and structural inequalities.
Setting the scene by Carl BERNADAC (AFD), with Udo BULLMANN (Member of the European Parliament), Sergio COLINA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation - Spain), Rudi DICKS (South African Presidency) and Nora LUSTIG (CEQ Institute Tulane University and Colegio de México)
This panel highlighted innovative approaches that address the pressing challenges of economic development, climate change, and social equity. Experts presented policy-driven research and case studies that showcase the transformative potential of sustainable investment, equitable value-sharing mechanisms, and inclusive labour market reforms.
The discussion also delved into sustainable investment strategies that create shared value while promoting environmental stewardship and economic inclusivity. Thought leaders and practitioners presented ideas on how to design equitable value-sharing mechanisms that ensure the benefits of growth and technological advancement are widely distributed, leaving no one behind.
By Dani RODRIK (Harvard University) with reactions from Thomas MELONIO (AFD)
With Erica GERRETSEN (European Commission), Saul MUSKER (South African Presidency) and Thomas MELONIO (AFD)
Resources
All our research publications on inequalities are available online.
You can also browse AFD's catalogue of research publications on inequalities.
For further reading
