Working together to shape the future of international development

The launch of this new research theme comes at a critical time, as climate change, economic stagnation, and declining living standards raise fundamental questions about the future direction of development policy in the UK and globally. How can we improve the welfare of the world's poorest citizens while also helping tackle the climate crisis? How can we ensure that the worsening economic climate does not derail global development efforts? What role should UK policy play in the global development landscape?

Speaking on his appointment, Dan Honig said that 'UCL faculty working on these and other sustainable development challenges are on the cutting edge of knowledge and global understanding. It's an honour to serve as a bridge to bring together academics and practitioners in ways that enrich both worlds – and, ultimately, help tackle some of our biggest challenges globally.'

Over the coming months, Honig and Gabriel Ulyssea will bring together journalists, academics, NGOs, and politicians in a series of events exploring the future of development. 'It is incredibly exciting to work towards bridging the gap between UCL's world-class research in sustainable development and the world of policymaking so that we can realize its transformative potential,' said Ulyssea. 'The events we will organise will play a key role in expanding and deepening connections, collaborations, and engagement between all actors in the sustainable development landscape.'

Both Honig and Ulyssea bring extensive policy experience and academic expertise to the research theme. Honig's research focuses on the relationship between organisational structure, management practice and performance in developing country governments and foreign aid organisations. Outside of academia, he was a special assistant, then advisor, to successive Ministers of Finance in Liberia and has worked for several local and international NGOs.

Ulyssea's research interests include economic development and labour economics, focusing on informality and the economic consequences of forced migration in the global south. He has substantial experience in collaborating with government organisations in Latin America, with six years of experience in the Brazilian Federal government as an economic advisor in various departments.

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