In June 2015, the Population and Poverty Research Initiative (PopPov) hosted its 9th Annual Conference on Population, Reproductive Health, and Economic Development, where researchers presented ongoing and completed research results which address important issues at the intersection of population, reproductive health and economic prosperity. Presentations included policy relevant studies that can provide insights for programmatic or policy changes, and highlighted evidence that contributes to a better understanding of the relationships among women’s and children’s health, women’s empowerment, access to health care, and economic well-being, including education and employment.
The conference was co-sponsored by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Population Reference Bureau, and the International Institute for Education served as local host. More than one hundred researchers, funders and policymakers from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, the United States and South Asia attended. Conference attendees had opportunities to learn about ongoing and completed research on population, reproductive health, and economic development, summarize policy-relevant research results, reflect on the achievements of the PopPov Research Initiative, and discuss the future of the field.
A pre-Conference methods workshop examined issues in measurement and defining causal impact in the field of women’s economic empowerment and development, and featured speakers from the George Washington University, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, United Nations Children’s Fund and World Bank. More information on the workshop and resources for measuring women’s economic empowerment can be found on the Methods Workshop landing page.
A special lunch time session on Friday reflected on the research achievements and the outcomes of networking opportunities that have emerged from PopPov. Nkechi Owoo from the University of Ghana commented on the connections she has made through the PopPov Network, and the benefits of being a dissertation fellow (2011 – 2013). David Canning of the Harvard School of Public Health, and Tom Merrick, a fellow at the Population Reference Bureau, reflected on the research that has been produced through the PopPov initiative and how the field of economic demography has strengthened since the Initiative began. Ruth Levine, Director of the Global Development and Population Program from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation moderated the session.
Bringing research to policymakers is a goal of the Hewlett Foundation’s Population and Poverty Initiative. On Friday afternoon, attendees participated in policy roundtables where they debated policy-relevant issues on hot topics in population and development, including the demographic dividend, youth employment, and nutrition and human development/capital.
In her closing remarks Ruth Levine, reflected on investments from the Hewlett Foundation in the PopPov and commented on the future of the PopPov Network and wishes for members of the PopPov research network.
Please find below links to materials and resources from the Conference.
Download the Conference agenda (final)
Read blogs and articles about the Conference:
- PopPov Pop Quiz by Helena Choi
- Evidence Can Help Make Sustainable Development Investments Strategic by Elizabeth Gay
- Population Research Shows Investing in Women’s Health Yields Benefits for Households, Spurs Development
Read abstracts of papers from the Conference
Download a list of all researchers funded through PopPov