Asia Research Centre Public Lecture

[wjkk wjkf]

Asia Research Centre public lecture

The Two Faces of Asia: bridging the gap between high growth economies and the poor

Date: Thursday 2 October 2008

Time: 6.30-8pm

Venue: Old Theatre, Old Building

Speaker: Rajat M. Nag

Chair: Professor Athar Hussain

Despite impressive growth over the past few decades, the Asia Pacific region is still home to two-thirds of the world's poor. In many Asian countries, the gap between rich and poor is widening and policymakers are faced with extraordinary challenges in closing this gap and spreading the benefits of growth to the most vulnerable in their societies. Rising fuel and food prices have exacerbated these inequities and placed millions more on the edge of poverty. The Managing Director General of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Rajat Nag, will discuss how the region is grappling with these complex challenges and how ADB's Strategy 2020 is targeted to make a difference in the lives of the poor.

Rajat M. Nag, an alumnus of LSE, is a development professional and economist who has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between the Asia Pacific region's thriving economies and the millions of poor people left behind. He has held several senior positions in ADB over the past two decades and as Managing Director General since December 2006 provides strategic and operational direction to ADB in its fight against poverty.

This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, email events@lse.ac.uk or phone 020 7955 6043.

Media queries: please contact the Press Office if you would like to reserve a press seat or have a media query about this event, email pressoffice@lse.ac.uk or call 020 7955 7060.

If you are planning to attend this event and would like details on how to get here and what time to arrive, please refer to Coming to an event at LSE