June 26, 2025
Prato, Italy
Sustainable Development Conference 2025
The Institute for Economic Development partnered this year with the Monash Business School (MBS) to support a panel discussion on Social Mobility and the Global Income Mobility Database during the Sustainable Development Conference 2025 in Prato, Italy.
Held at the Monash Prato Center, this session explored the links between intergenerational mobility, social welfare, and economic growth, while unpacking the complex policy trade-offs governments face in promoting upward mobility.
The event presented the new income mobility companion database to the Global Database on Intergenerational Mobility (GDIM) and explored its implications for social mobility research and policy. Presented by Roy Van der Weide of the World Bank Group, the session highlighted key research findings and pressing questions.
Following the presentation, a panel of leading researchers discussed how this data can help reshape our understanding of mobility, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the areas where further research is needed to close knowledge gaps.
Moderator: Gero Carletto, World Bank Group – Welcome and introductions
Presentation of the database: Roy Van der Weide, World Bank Group
- Overview of the database and methodology
- Key findings
- Implications for developed and developing countries
Panel discussion featuring:
- Vito Peragine, University of Bari
- Andrea Brandolini, Bank of Italy
- Stephen Jenkins, London School of Economics
- Jed Friedman, World Bank Group
Q&A and open discussion: Open floor for questions and comments from the audience.
Closing remarks: Gero Carletto, World Bank Group
Gero Carletto Roy Van der Weide Vito Peragine | Andrea Brandolini Stephen Jenkins Jed Friedman |
