Over two days, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, activists, and academics from Sri Lanka and around the world came together at CEPA’s International Conference on Poverty and Development in Times of Crisis to explore one pressing question: in a world of overlapping crises, who does recovery actually reach?

The conference examined critical issues shaping poverty and development today, including economic inequality, inflation, social protection, climate resilience, food security, gender and youth agency, education, artificial intelligence and digital inclusion, labour and livelihoods, and governance. Organised in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ODI Global, the event provided a platform for evidence-based dialogue on building more inclusive and resilient pathways for development.

As CEPA marks 25 years of research and engagement, the conference reaffirmed the importance of connecting evidence, policy, and practice to address the complex challenges facing communities in Sri Lanka and beyond.