Please join us to celebrate the launch of the Global Development Institute on 17 February 5.00-6.30, at The University of Manchester.

The launch will feature a keynote lecture on inequalty and the future of global development by Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International Executive Director and alumna of the University. Oxfam’s research has shown that half of the world's population - that's three and a half billion people - own no more than a tiny elite whose numbers could all fit comfortably on a double-decker bus.

The lecture marks the launch of the Global Development Institute, the largest dedicated development research and teaching institute in Europe, with over 45 academics and up to 100 PhD students.The new Institute unites the strengths of the Institute for Development Policy & Management (IDPM) and the Brooks World Poverty Institute. Its aim is to identify and address global inequalities, creating and sharing knowledge that promotes social justice.

While we’ve seen huge reductions in poverty over the last twenty years, finishing the job, let alone making the gains sustainable will require seismic changes right around the world. The University of Manchester has been at the forefront of Development Studies for over 60 years. With the creation of the Global Development Institute, we want to lead critical thinking, teaching and research over the next 60 years too.

The lecture will be followed by a free drinks reception.