The COVID-19 pandemic threatens lives, well-being, and economies in low- and middle-income countries. Yet many of the interventions implemented in high-income countries may be ineffective, impractical, or carry heavier consequences in LMIC contexts than they do elsewhere. In communities where most of the workforce is in the informal sector and must work no matter what to survive, the impact of stay-at-home orders or social distancing measures, let alone illness, can be devastating.
This event will highlight cash transfers as a tool for response and development in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. While recognizing that no intervention is a silver bullet, panelists will explore the potential benefits and feasibility of massive scale-up of cash transfer and universal basic income (UBI) programs in LMICs and their value for the COVID-19 response; how LMIC governments, bilateral and international institutions, and other organizations can best utilize and support these programs; and how to ensure the programs are cost-effective and serving the communities, households, and individuals who need them most.
Featuring:
• Laura Alfers, Director of Social Protection Programme, Women in Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO)
• Ugo Gentilini, Senior Economist with Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, World Bank
• Joe Huston, Managing Director, GiveDirectly
• Gyude Moore, Senior Policy Fellow, Center for Global Development
Moderator:
• Amanda Glassman, Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development
If you have questions for our panelists, please submit them to events@cgdev.org, tweet @CGDev #CGDTalks, or submit your comments via YouTube.
