Within South Asia there exists an implicit trade-off between pursuing developmental objectives and projects against the detrimental social and environmental impacts of such ventures. While infrastructure and connectivity projects may produce positive outcomes for the economic, employment, and industrial capacities of a country, they also trigger an unequal impact on the social dynamics and environmental security of the state. These projects have immense repercussions on human security— in the form of forced migration and displacement— and an understudied gender disparity angle. It raises the pertinent questions— Development for whom? Who is this megaproject for? Can all communities share in this development and enjoy the fruits of prosperity?
Shedding light on one of Bangladesh’s most significant infrastructure endeavors, the Padma Bridge Megaproject, this panel aims to explore the overlooked consequences of development. This panel will deliberate on whether environmentally and socially conscious developmental undertakings are possible and how policies that strengthen the social, financial, human, and natural capacities of a nation can be formulated.
The discussion will be followed by a Q-n-A with the audience. Since the themes being discussed have an immense impact on public life, audience participation and interaction during the event is highly encouraged.
This is an in-person event.
