LSE: Public lectures and events

Contributor(s): Mete Coban, Rowena Champion, Maanya Jones | At a time of eco-anxiety, climate scepticism, and widespread disillusionment with formal political institutions, how do diverse young Londoners connect with climate politics at a local level? How do they imagine the future of their neighbourhoods, and how can their visions and values be brought to the heart of London’s green transition? Young people arguably have the most at stake in the battle for liveable cities today, and a liveable planet for decades to come. And yet, youth voices are rarely heard in heated public and policy debates about urban green transitions. Building on recent findings from an LSE Cities peer research project in Islington, this event will discuss how young people approach the core debates of the green transition, especially how environmental justice relates to social and economic justice, and how the local green transition can open up space for a deepening of democracy.

Daron Acemoglu, a distinguished LSE alumnus and co-recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in economics, shares his insights on the future of governance and democracy. He explores the urgent need to reimagine liberal democracy to regain support across diverse groups. The conversation dives into the tensions between individual freedoms and community responsibilities, the impact of technology and neoliberalism, and shifting political dynamics among the working class. Acemoglu emphasizes tailored governance models to navigate the complexities of modern democracies.

Contributor(s): Dr Hilary Cottam, Dr Faiza Shaheen, Professor Jack Stilgoe | New technology and AI are transforming the labour market at an unprecedented pace, often reinforcing existing inequalities and concentrating wealth in the hands of a few. It is widely believed that without intervention, this trend will continue, creating a society where a handful of tech billionaires thrive while countless others struggle with low wages and job insecurity. But is this future inevitable? What are the potential scenarios going forward? How can we rethink the way technological innovation is structured to ensure its benefits are more widely shared? Is there an alternative to a winner-takes-all model which creates billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk while pushing many into low paid work?

Contributor(s): Stan Boland, Dr Robyn Klingler-Vidra, Kanishka Narayan | Driven in large part by the rapid growth of the tech sector, the US economy has diverged from other advanced economies. Despite significant strengths in research, much of Europe has been unable to translate this into the type of large digital firms which have become so important to the modern economy. What are the barriers to developing a thriving tech sector outside of the US? Can European states compete in the tech sector and should they try? What is the future of these advanced economies, if they cannot compete in the industries of the future?

Claire Melamed, a leader at the Global Partnership on Data for Sustainable Development, and Mulele Maketo Mulele, Zambia's Permanent Secretary of Finance, explore the crucial role of data in governance. They discuss the challenges faced in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the need for greater data access and utilization. The conversation includes the ethical implications of AI in public sectors and the necessity for data visualization to enhance decision-making. Both guests stress collaborative approaches to overcoming institutional barriers in data use for effective policy-making.

Contributor(s): Abby Jitendra, Dr Abigail McKnight, Dr Thomas C. Stephens | The event challenges the old adage, 'The poor will always be with us', by envisaging a future free from poverty. The speakers will identify the gains for children and for society as a whole from ending child poverty and the gains for workers, families and the economy from ending bad jobs

Contributor(s): Professor Oriana Bandiera, Professor Margaret Levi, Professor Dani Rodrik | A generation ago, the so-called Washington Consensus laid out a series of do’s and don’ts for policymakers around the world, but it fell short by neglecting the social and institutional underpinnings indispensable for achieving sustained growth and building fairer and more cohesive societies. What new ideas —and policies— can guide us through the challenges humanity faces today?

Contributor(s): Grace Blakeley, Dr Abby Innes, Ryan Shorthouse | There are frequent discussions on how our current economic system should be reformed and improved to address global challenges. But, should we be thinking more radically about the problems with capitalism? Can we imagine an alternative way of organising our societies?

In this insightful dialogue, Professor Paul Dolan, a Behavioral Science expert from LSE and author of 'Beliefism', tackles the urgent issue of polarization in society. He introduces the concept of Beliefism—judging others based solely on their beliefs rather than their actual views. Dolan emphasizes the importance of listening to differing opinions and fostering meaningful dialogue. He explores self-censorship in academia, familial estrangements over beliefs, and the impact of social media on public discourse, advocating for cognitive diversity and understanding.

Contributor(s): Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Professor Amartya Sen, Professor Lord Stern | Join us for this special event celebrating LSE's new Global School of Sustainability at which our speakers will discuss fostering sustainability amidst global uncertainty