The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) is pleased to invite submissions for the 9th SANEM Annual Economists’ Conference (9SAEC) 2026, themed “Development Challenges and Policy Responses in a Changing World”. This prestigious event will take place in BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka on 9-11 January 2026. Since its inception in 2016, SAEC has established itself as a vital platform for promoting academic dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers, academics, development practitioners, and policymakers. Each year, the conference attracts a diverse group of participants dedicated to addressing pressing economic and political challenges in the South Asian region. The conference has successfully hosted discussions on diverse themes over the years, including:

• 8th SAEC 2025: Restoring Stability in the Economic and Political Landscapes: Navigating Fragility to Resilience
• 7th SAEC 2024: New Frontiers in Development and Emerging Dynamics
• 6th SAEC 2023: Building Resilience to Shocks: Priorities, Challenges, and Prospects
• 5th SAEC 2020: Institutions for Development
• 4th SAEC 2019: Governing New Challenges: Inclusive Development, Trade, and Finance
• 3rd SAEC 2018: Leave no one behind in South Asia
• 2nd SAEC 2017: Managing Growth for Social Inclusion
• 1st SAEC 2016: Bangladesh: Way towards a Middle Income Country

These conferences have brought together eminent economists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, development workers, journalists, and students. The SAECs have been enriched by the presentation of extensively researched papers and in-depth panel discussions by various experts, making it a flagship event of SANEM.

Broad Theme: Development Challenges and Policy Responses in a Changing World

Call for Paper Submission:

Papers should be relevant to any of the following themes:

• Economic Transformation and Labour Markets
• Social Development and Inclusion
• Environment, Climate Change and Just Transition
• Political Economy, Geopolitics and International Trade    
• Technology, Innovation and Future of Work

The conference committee welcomes papers on the themes above, based on any specific country, or cross-country experiences. Both applied and theoretical papers that meet high standards of methodological rigour are invited. Any reproduction/extension of the previous study is eligible for submission. However, in the case of pre-published papers, the consent of the publishers should be provided.

Important Dates:

• Extended abstract submission: 15 September 2025
• Notification of acceptance: 07 October 2025
• Submission of final paper: 30 November 2025
• Submission of presentation: 30 December 2025
• Conference:  9-11 January 2026

Format for Abstract Submission:

An extended abstract clearly outlining the objective, a brief description of the methodology and expected research findings must be submitted along with a CV. Interested researchers are requested to fill out the following Google Form by 15 September 2025: https://forms.gle/kWZytCf5dwXJThjd6

Eligibility for Paper Submission:

People engaged in academics, economic research, and policy advocacy with an educational background in economics or related fields are encouraged to submit their research work. Master’s/4th-year students majoring in economics or related fields are also encouraged to submit their papers.

Logistics for International Paper Presenters:

For international paper presenters, the conference organizer will provide partial funding for their participation in the conference in Dhaka. In the case of multiple authors, only one author who is designated to present will be provided with partial funding.

Conference Convener:

Dr Selim Raihan, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka and Executive Director, South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM)

Contact:

SANEM, Flat K-5, House 1/B, Road 35, Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Phone: +88 02 58813075
Mobile/WhatsApp: +880 1911-957660

For any further information, please write to sanem.conference@gmail.com

About SANEM:

SANEM (South Asian Network on Economic Modeling), launched in January 2007 in Dhaka, is a non-profit research organization registered with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms in Bangladesh. It serves as a network of economists and policymakers, with a particular focus on economic modeling. SANEM aims to promote objective, high-quality research in areas such as international trade, macroeconomics, poverty, labour markets, the environment, political economy, and economic modeling. The organization supports government policymaking by providing research assistance in both individual and organizational capacities. SANEM has established strong collaborative relationships with global, regional, and local think tanks, research and development organizations, universities, and individual researchers. SANEM conducts regular training programs on economic modeling and contemporary economic issues.

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