Call for Application
SAESM Nepal invites application from eligible undergraduate of Economics for 14th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) to be held during third week of January, 2018. The venue for meet will be finalized later. This meet will be organized by South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) SOUTH ASIAN NETWORK ON ECONOMIC MODELING (SANEM).
The eligible students are supposed to submit:
i)
covering letter indicating that they are interested to participate in the meet, why you are interested and consent that they are willing to pay registration fee in the event they will be selected
ii)
Concept note indicating theme (as listed below) highlighting Statement of Problems, objectives that the study indents to carry out and brief methodology (max 2 page). The guideline for preparing concept note is posted in this blog earlier (http://saesm-nepal.blogspot.com/2012/09/guideline-for-writing-concept-note.html) . The concept note should be in either of sub-theme mentioned below and shall indicate in the front page on which theme the proposal is related to.
Students shall be below 25 years at the time of participation and low priority will be given to those already participated in previous SAESM.
Please send these to
saesm.nepal@gmail.com with cc to Naveen Adhikari, Country Coordinator for Nepal at nabueco@gmail.com .
The deadline for submission is September 10, 2017.
Theme for Concept Note
Main Theme for 14th SAESM: Sustaining South Asia
Sub-theme 1: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 1, SDG 2 & SDG 10)
Sub-theme 1 encompasses Goal 1, Goal 2 and Goal 10 under SDGs. Goal 1 under SDGs and focuses on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere. Goal 2 encompasses zero hunger and aims to achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 10 describes reduced Inequalities within and among countries. Paper presenters can explore the current scenario of poverty and hunger in South Asia; which policies should be adopted to implement SDG 1 and SDG 2 in their respective countries and South Asia as a whole. The economic implications of ending poverty and hunger in South Asia can also be explored. Papers that link up the issues of agriculture, hunger, food security, nutrition and reducing inequality with the aid of inter-regional cooperation, trade and processes of evolving a common policy framework in international bodies such as FAO and WTO are encouraged. In addition, the researchers can examine the prospects of how sustainable trade policies can reduce income inequality within and across countries which might lead to poverty reduction and 7 sustainable development. Various issues regarding income growth rate of bottom 40 percent population- compared to the national average and coverage of social safety net program should also be assessed in the research papers. The paper presenters may also focus on innovative ways to finance SDG 1, SDG 2 and SDG 10, Internal resource mobilization to finance SDG 1 and SDG 2, role of new technology for sustainable agriculture; role of microfinance to eradicate poverty; importance of strong economic and political institutions to reduce inequality in South Asia in their research papers.
Sub-theme 2: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
Sub-theme 2 can be directly linked with Goal 3 under SDGs which focuses on good health and well-being and ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The paper presenters can try to analyze the aspects of making investments for improving health in South Asia, cost and benefit analysis of implementing SDG 3 in their respective countries. The researchers can also try to explore what factors can play a pivotal role in achieving Good Health and Well-being in South Asia. Various factors regarding pollution related health hazards, health expenditure as percentage of GDP, share of public and private expenditure in health sector can also be analyzed in the papers and incorporated in econometric models. Corporate Social Responsibility as a potential source of financing SDG 3 can also be assessed in the research papers.
Sub-theme 3: Quality Education (SDG 4)
Sub-theme 3 is related to Goal 4 under SDGs which emphasizes on quality education which will ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Paper presenters can focus on analyzing the different aspects of investing in education and human capital development in South Asia. In addition, the researchers can also try to assess what factors could affect some targets under this specific goal such as ensuring completely free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes for all boys and girls and ensuring equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and university education. Corporate Social Responsibility as a potential source of financing SDG 4 can also be assessed in the research papers. Dropout rate at different levels of education disaggregated by sex, issues regarding NEET (not in education, employment or training) can also be analyzed in the papers.
Sub-theme 4: Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Sub-theme 4 is equivalent to Goal 5 under SDGs which stresses on the importance of gender equality which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Women have a critical role to play in all of the SDGs, with many targets specifically recognizing women’s equality and empowerment as both the objective, and part of the solution. Women’s empowerment is a powerful multiplier of well-being and a prerequisite for sustainable development. Research also indicates that when more income is put into the hands of women, child nutrition, health and education improves. The paper presenters can focus on how providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work and representation in political and economic decisionmaking processes which will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies in South Asia and contribute to the growth process. Moreover, factors which can help in achieving gender equality in South Asian countries and could affect achieving some specific targets under this goal such as ending all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere should also be explored. Various issues such as Violence against women, physical and psychological violence, and domestic violence can also be analyzed in the papers. Different factors such as women holding superior or decision making positions in various sectors, maternity benefit provision, drop out from labor force after child birth, availability of day care services in different sectors can be assessed and incorporated in econometric models to realize their impact on income and growth in South Asian region. Role of ICT to reduce gender inequality, employment generation for women and promote empowerment of women in South Asia can also be assessed in the papers.
Sub-theme 5: Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
Sub-theme 5 corresponds to Goal 6 under SDGs which focuses on clean water and sanitation that ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Every year millions of people, mostly children, die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Water scarcity, poor water quality and management and inadequate sanitation negatively impact food security, livelihood choices and education opportunities for poor families across the globe. Drought afflicts some of the world’s poorest countries, worsening hunger and malnutrition. The researchers can focus on how acquiring universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all, achieving access to equitable and adequate sanitation and hygiene for all and improving water quality by minimizing pollution, eliminating dumping and reducing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and 9 substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally by 2030 can lead to sustainable development. Issues regarding Arsenic pollution problem in South Asia can also be addressed in the papers. Surface water treatment such as installing water treatment plants or water reservoirs to provide people with hygienic water and its economic implications can also be assessed in the papers. Therefore, the paper presenters can work on how increased access to clean water and sanitation can lead to growth and prosperity and what factors can play a vital role in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Sub-theme 6: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
Sub-theme 6 is analogous to Goal 7 under SDGs which emphasizes on affordable and clean energy. Goal 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The researchers can try to assess how affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all can help achieve growth and development in South Asia. Renewable, clean, sustainable energy sources are alternative to fossil fuels, economies based on sustainable energy resources ensure reduced environmental pollution which help reduce negative externalities. Financing solar energy for sustained economic growth in South Asia can also be analyzed in the papers. Investment in renewable power sector infrastructure and role of PPP in power sector in South Asia can also be analyzed in the papers. The researchers can try to analyze what factors should affect the increased usage of affordable and clean energy in South Asia and their implications for sustainable development and growth.
Sub-theme 7: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Sub-theme 7 can be associated with Goal 8 under SDGs which stresses on decent work and economic growth and aims to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. One of the major agendas of vision 2030 by UN is to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. Decent jobs are referred to productive jobs for men and women in conditions of freedom, equality, human dignity and security. It also includes chances for work that yield a just income, provides a secure work environment, and also social security for the workers and their respective families. The paper presenters can focus on how South Asian workers can transit from current status of having a good-enough job to a decent job and evaluate the economic implications of this process. Moreover, how this transition can lead to economic growth in this region can be assessed in the 10 papers. The presenters can also focus on the policies that should ensure increased number of decent jobs for South Asian workers which should result in rapid enhancement of per capita income in South Asia. Significance of strong economic and political institutions to ensure inclusive growth in South Asia can also be assessed in the papers. Econometric analysis can be carried out focusing on different variables such as interaction of FDI, remittance, export volume, unemployment rate with economic growth. Issues regarding NEET (not in education, employment or training), e-commerce, and sector wise employment generation in South Asia can also be analyzed in the papers.
Sub-theme 8: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Sub-theme 8 is related to Goal 9 under the SDGs which encompasses industry, innovation and infrastructure. The goal aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Researchers can examine how promoting entrepreneurship, diversification, technological upgrading and innovation can lead to higher levels of economic growth in South Asia. Furthermore, how building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation can lead to sustainable development in particular countries. Moreover, PPP to finance infrastructural initiatives, regional efforts for infrastructural development, patronizing SMEs for enhanced growth can be evaluated in the papers. The paper presenters can also try and analyze what factors can help in achieving the specific targets under this goal.
Sub-theme 9: Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Sub-theme 9 can be linked with Goal 11 under the SDGs which focuses on sustainable cities and communities that aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. With over half of the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies. The paper presenters can work to examine how making human inhabitants inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable can induce sustainable development and contribute towards the growth process in South Asia. The linkage between sustainable urbanization and economic development in South Asian context can also be explored. Papers may also examine conflicts over land-use and resources as cities expand by encompassing rural or agricultural spaces often by dislocating the existing inhabitants and the environment around them. Papers can also deal with impact on rapid 11 urbanization on changing aspirations, spending habits and consumption patterns, creating new cultures of consumption. The presenters are also encouraged to try and formulate pragmatic financing strategies for this particular goal in their country. Furthermore, what factors could affect achieving the targets under this goal such as reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities and providing universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces should be given priority while analyzing the issue. Lives in the slums of South Asia, policies regarding how the lives in slums can be improved, access to safe drinking water and sanitation in slums can also be assessed in the papers.
Sub-theme 10: Climate Action, Life below Water and Life on Land (SDG 13, SDG 14 & SDG 15)
Sub-theme 10 encompasses Goal 13, Goal 14 and Goal 15 under SDGs. Goal 13 emphasizes on climate action and aims to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting development in renewable energy. Various sorts of environmental pollution are considered as negative externalities for the economy as a whole. The paper presenters can focus on how reducing reliance on fossil fuels and building economies based on renewable energy sources can lead to sustained growth and development in South Asian countries. Issues regarding reducing climate change vulnerabilities, disaster preparedness, and adaptation of green technology in South Asia should also be assessed in the papers. Appropriate adaptation or mitigation policies along with strong institutions for implementing climate actions; role of private sector, NGOs and global partners to materialize the climate activities; innovative ways such as climate fund, austerity measures, CSR, etc. to finance SDG 13 can be evaluated in the research papers. Goal 14 focuses on life below water which targets conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The researchers can try to analyze how sustained consumption of marine resources can ensure faster growth in South Asia and reduce environmental vulnerabilities. The role of blue economy and its importance for sustained economic development can also be evaluated in the South Asian context under this sub-theme. Goal 15 focuses on life on land. Goal 15 aims to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. The paper presenters can assess policies about how best to sustainably manage forests and ecosystems, how to promote sustainable tourism in South Asia that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. Internal resource mobilization to support the financing of SDG 15 can be assessed in the paper.
6.2 Format for Submission of Conference Papers
1. The authors are advised to focus on the main issues covered by a theme with respect to his/her own country or South Asia as a whole and, not any narrowed-down issue or a case study. However, each author will have the freedom to decide his/her own topic suitable for the paper. The papers should not be co-authored.
2. The papers must demonstrate application of Economics knowledge in addressing the chosen issue relevant to his/her own country. Theories and models may be used in placing and analyzing the issue in the context, but the application is the key.
3. The authors are required to strictly adhere to the standard technical specifications of academic research papers.
4. The expected standard of the presentations takes into account that the delegates are undergraduates and hence the expected academic excellence and competency is at normal academic standards at undergraduate level.
5. Format to be adhered to: a) Font type: Calibri b) Font size: 16 for section headings, 14 for sub-headings, 12 for text, 10 for footnotes c) Bold and italic are accepted d) Line spacing: 1.15 e) Document size: 4000-5000 words (10-12 pages, excluding cover page) f) Page numbers: bottom-right g) Color: black and white only h) Referencing: Harvard style
6. Cover page a) [On the top of the sheet]: 14th SOUTH ASIAN ECONOMICS STUDENTS MEET b) Session Theme of the paper, as given in this document c) Title of the paper, as chosen by the author d) Name of the author, university, country e) Abstract of the paper, not exceeding 150 words
7. Conference presentation a) Power Point presentations, strictly limited to 10 minutes b) Q & A session: 8 minutes d) Questions and comments are not allowed from the author’s own country team
Cost
The organizer are supposed to bear the travel and accommodation during the meet. However, every participant including faculty members will have to pay US$ 200 as registration fee. This fee has to be paid to the respective country coordinators and is non-refundable.
