PSPC2025 Speakers

Investing in Tomorrow: Rwanda's Teacher Training Colleges, 2 Generation Strategies, and the Path to Poverty Eradication

This presentation explores the evolving role and growing importance of Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) in Rwanda, particularly in developing qualified early childhood educators to address national literacy challenges and enhance early childhood education. Kean University, an American research institution, has recently partnered with NGOs in Rwanda to implement a pioneering 2 Generation Strategy initiative. This collaboration builds upon Kean's successful Generation 2 Generation (G2G) Family University program, which has shown promising results in breaking cycles of poverty through education in the United States. The initiative aims to adapt and apply Kean's multi-generational approach to Rwanda's context, focusing on both children and their caregivers to create lasting educational and economic impacts. By addressing the critical need for qualified early childhood teachers and highlighting the economic benefits of ECD and 2 Gen investments, TTCs play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Rwanda's education system, contributing to poverty reduction, and supporting the country's broader development goals. The success of Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) in Rwanda has significant implications for replication across Central Africa. Rwanda's experience in transforming its education system, particularly in early childhood and entrepreneurship education, offers valuable lessons for neighboring countries facing similar challenges.
Dr. Youngblood is also the Senior Vice President for Transformational Learning and External Affairs at Kean University (USA). With over 25 years of experience in international development, public policy and education, Dr. Youngblood is recognized as an international thought leader on the role of higher education institutions as transformational agents and catalysts for sustainable change in communities. He has created innovative programs such as New Jersey's first inter-professional school of public service and provided policy support to state, national, and international leaders, advising on urban economic development, education policy, and legislative initiatives. Dr. Youngblood is a Next Generation Leadership Fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation and is actively engaged in international development and education efforts, including collaborations in Europe, Asia and Africa. Dr. Youngblood has served as a Higher Education Capacity Building Specialist and is actively engaged in international initiatives with private industry, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and communities in Rwanda and China.

Enhancing Social Protection in the ECA Region: A Comparative Analysis of Safety Nets and Cash Plus Programs in Romania and Neighboring Countries

The paper explores the role of safety nets and cash plus programs in advancing social protection within the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, focusing on Romania and neighboring countries. By analyzing differences in program design, implementation, and outcomes, the paper identifies approaches that enhance resilience and social inclusion and mitigate the risk of poverty. Key findings underscore the challenges, but also the growing need for tailored and comprehensive support measures, integrating social services alongside cash assistance. Based on comparative insights, the paper offers policy recommendations aimed at improving the responsiveness and reach of social protection systems across the ECA region.
Elena Botezatu is an Extended Term Consultant with the World Bank’s Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, based in Bucharest, Romania. She supports the Romanian government’s reform agenda in employment, social assistance, pensions, and social services, with a focus on initiatives under the EU-funded programs. Elena also contributes to advancing Romania’s monitoring and evaluation systems. Prior to her role at the World Bank, she worked as a consultant on technical assistance projects in Romania and Central Europe. Her expertise spans youth unemployment, minorities and vulnerable groups, and territorial cohesion. Elena has served as an associate professor at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest and as a counsellor to the Romanian Minister of Labor.

Social Inclusion Challenges in the Informal Economy: A Comparative Analysis of Street Vendors in Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and the USA

This study addresses the social inclusion challenges faced by street vendors in five countries: Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and the United States. The research focuses on a frequently marginalized yet vital sector of the informal economy, exploring the complex socioeconomic dynamics affecting this vulnerable population.
Using a qualitative and descriptive approach, the study employs participant observation, photographic and video records, and life histories to collect rich, contextualized data. This method allows for a deep understanding of the daily realities of street vendors, capturing the nuances of their experiences across different cultural and economic contexts.
The main objectives include:
1. Identifying specific social inclusion challenges in each country.
2. Conducting a comparative analysis to uncover common patterns and differences among the studied countries.
3. Facilitating a dialogue of knowledge to generate innovative solutions to the identified challenges.
4. Developing a digital application that integrates these solutions, providing practical tools to improve the quality of life for street vendors.

This project not only contributes to academic knowledge about the informal economy and social inclusion but also aims to generate practical impact. By directly involving the street vendor community in the process of research and solution development, the study adopts a participatory approach that empowers the research subjects.
Expected outcomes include:
· A more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing social inclusion of street vendors in different national contexts.
· A set of evidence-based recommendations for public policies that promote social and economic inclusion in this sector.
· An innovative digital application designed to address the specific needs of street vendors.
· The creation of an international network of academics, experts, and street vendors to continue addressing these challenges.
·This study is particularly relevant in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically addressing objectives related to poverty reduction, decent work, inequality reduction, and sustainable cities. By combining rigorous academic research with practical and technological solutions, this project offers an innovative approach to addressing persistent challenges of poverty and social exclusion in the informal sector.
Lorena Muñoz is an Associate Professor and Director of Ethnic and Race studies and Interim Chief Diversity Officer at California Lutheran University in Southern California. She is a Queer Latinx Geographer from the Californias whose comparative research focuses on how immigrants working in the informal economy produce Queer Worldmakings. Her current research focuses on how street vendors and domestic workers claim rights while actively navigating and staking claims in their urban futures where they not only exist but also thrive. Her interdisciplinary work has been published in journals such as; Urban & Cultural Geography, MALCS, Feminist Formations, Food and Foodways, AREA and The Professional Geographer. Dr. Muñoz received and MA and PhD in Human Geography from the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles, California, and an MA degree in Geography and Urban Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Factors Shaping Sustainable Livelihood in National Park Communities: A Case Study of the Bawangling Entrance Community

Most national parks are located in remote rural areas, where the level of economic development is relatively low, and residents, though surrounded by pristine natural resources, continue to experience relatively poor living conditions. Located near the entrances to the national parks, the National Park Entrance Communities act as visitor reception centers while being subject to ecological preservation regulations. Accordingly, as key stakeholders in national park development, the livelihood strategies of local residents exhibit distinctive characteristics closely linked to regional development. Therefore, we employs a grounded theory approach to explore the factors affecting sustainable livelihood strategies of residents in the Bawangling entrance community of Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park.
Dual degree in Public Administration from Hainan University and Emergency Management from Arizona State University. With research interests focusing on social governance, rural development and public policy.

A Diagnosis of Housing as a Tool for Poverty Alleviation – A Case Study of Housing in Harare, Zimbabwe

Housing is not only shelter – but an essential commodity that impacts positively on people’s lives and livelihoods. Its access, production, consumption and management is therefore a process that involves a multiplicity of factors. For the urban poor, housing manifests itself as shelter whose acquisition contributes immensely towards poverty alleviation. This paper revisits the fast-track land reform programme of 2000 when the urban poor and landless people invaded land for housing production in Harare. This opportune time provided them the right to the city where they were able to build houses and access other urban opportunities such as employment. Through the concept of the right to the city and housing, the authors argue that access to land provided an opportunity for capital development where housing emerged as a platform to shrug off poverty through various avenues. To provide in-depth discourse into this issue, the authors used a case study of Harare where a variety of research techniques. Key findings of this research show that most beneficiaries of this housing scheme have since transformed their livelihoods due to access to housing and proximity to opportunities in Harare. However, there are still gaps observable in their transition, largely emanating from incomplete service provision. However, it must be reiterated that housing is a package of services – hence having mere shelter is not enough to address challenges associated with poverty.
Lovemore Chipungu is an Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the Department of Town and Regional Planning. He holds a PhD in Town and Regional Planning, a Master’s Degree in Rural and Urban Planning as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree (Honours) in Rural and Urban Planning. He is registered professional town planner affiliated to various professional bodies among which is the South African Planning Institute. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and books; and his areas of interest are in housing policy, land-use planning and urban design.

The Impact of Fiscal Integration between Beveridgean and Bismarckian Pension Systems on Lifetime Utility and Economic Growth

Japan's public pension system is structured as a two-tier system, with the Beveridgean "National Pension" serving as the base and the Bismarckian "Employees' Pension" layered on top. However, due to the progression of population aging and declining birthrates, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the National Pension. In response, the Japanese government has begun considering the integration of the two pension schemes' financial resources. However, it remains uncertain whether contributors to the Employees' Pension will agree or not. The purpose of this study is to examine the conditions under which such a policy could be socially acceptable. We develop an overlapping-generations model incorporating two pay-as-you-go pension schemes: the National Pension and the Employees' Pension, with the presence of high-income and low-income individuals. Using this model, we examine the effects of fiscal integration—redistributing part of the insurance premium revenue from the Employees' Pension to the National Pension—on the steady-state level of per capita capital stock and lifetime utility. The results, derived from theoretical and simulation analyses, reveal that as individuals' subjective discount rates increase, the socially acceptable public pension system transitions from complete separation to partial integration and eventually to full integration of the both pensions.
My major is economic growth theory. I have a PhD in Economics from Kyushu University in Japan.
I am a graduate student in Japan, currently researching the sustainability of pay-as-you-go pension systems. In my free time, I enjoy refreshing myself by grinding coffee beans that my mother selects and brings home.

Reimagining Social Protection for Vulnerable Communities: Bridging Inequities and Nurturing Resilience for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Uttar Pradesh, India

Social protection schemes serve as a vital safety net for rural families in Uttar Pradesh, yet significant challenges hinder their full realization. Limited awareness, complex procedures and bureaucratic hurdles often prevent eligible families from accessing their rightful benefits. At PANI, we work to bridge these gaps through a community-led approach - identifying entitlements, enabling access and ensuring last-mile delivery. Our experience has shown that women are at the forefront of driving social protection at the grassroots. Their leadership in navigating government schemes has not only strengthened household resilience but also enhanced community well-being. By promoting collective action, building local capacity and leveraging existing government frameworks, we have successfully connected thousands of families to essential social protection programs, improving their financial security, healthcare access and livelihoods. Key learnings from our journey highlight the importance of simplifying processes, mobilizing communities and creating sustainable support networks. When women take the lead, they become catalysts for change, ensuring that social protection reaches those who need it most. As we move forward, our focus remains on empowering women and communities to access and claim their entitlements, making social protection a reality for all.
Mr. Deo Datt Singh is a seasoned agri-business expert and a strong proponent of social protection, with over two decades of experience in rural economic development, ecological farming, and agribusiness systems. He has worked across for-profit and non-profit sectors, strengthening agricultural value chains and collaborating with governments and corporates. As Director of Operations at PANI, he integrates climate resilience, social protection, and natural resource management into development programs. He has been instrumental in identifying, enabling, and ensuring rural families benefit from government social protection schemes. A regular participant in the Conference of Parties (COP) since Paris 2015, he envisions a future where climate-smart farming and social safety nets empower rural communities. His leadership drives environmental stewardship, inclusive agricultural growth, and livelihood security for marginalized populations.

How Attitudes on Race Shape Public Opinion on Guns in Contemporary America

The controversy surrounding gun control is a constant in contemporary American politics, encompassing everyone from students to parents to survivors of mass gun-related tragedies to interest groups like the National Rifle Association and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, all advocating for a particular interpretation of “gun rights.” This project examines whether there is a connection between racial resentment and support for individual gun rights, and whether that connection is obscured by the race-neutral rhetoric of Second Amendment Rights. Conducting experiments via Mechanical Turk, we find that racial resentment does correlate with a preference for gun rights and an individual interpretation of the Second Amendment. Importantly, measurements of white privilege are most effective in identifying patterns of racial resentment among white respondents, and predicting support for gun rights over gun control.
Dr. Kiku Huckle is an associate professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. Her research addresses how culture, values, and identity intersect and ultimately affect political beliefs and patterns of engagement, with an emphasis on race, racial resentment, and religious affiliation. Her book project, “Reluctant Evolution: Latino Communities and the American Catholic Church” examines the institutional barriers to the full inclusion of Latinos within the American Catholic Church. Other projects examine the relationship between race, racial resentment, and policy issues such as gun control and immigration, as well as vote choice. Dr. Huckle also uses geo-spatial analysis to understand how community level factors relate to the political integration and socialization of immigrants and citizens.

Strengthening National Institutions Working with Vulnerable Communities (SNVC)

The Program for Strengthening National Institutions Supporting Vulnerable Communities (SNVC) under the stewardship of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA_NEPAD), represents a critical step forward in addressing the dual social challenges of poverty and resilience among Africa's most vulnerable populations. It embodies a strategic commitment to leveraging effective partnerships and innovative solutions, aiming for sustainable development and economic integration within the global economy. The commitment is particularly pertinent in the context of Africa, where social protection emerges as a fundamental instrument to combat poverty, mitigate life-cycle risks, and contribute to sustainable economic growth, development, and social justice. The African Union (AU), through initiatives like Agenda 2063, emphasizes the importance of creating an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens. Social protection plays a critical role in realizing this vision, serving as a powerful tool to reduce inequalities, promote human development, and enhance social cohesion and political stability. It underpins the AU's strategic efforts to foster inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.
Daphine H. Muzawazi from the Republic of Zimbabwe is a Senior Programme Officer for Institutional Development Support within the Human Capital and Institutional Development (HCID) Directorate, at AUDA-NEPAD. Her role is to strengthen institutions in the context of social development, social and financial inclusion and empowerment, inclusive growth, job creation, increased agricultural productivity, investment technologies, and provision of opportunities and services for vulnerable communities. Additionally, also partnering with ATVET institutions on a knowledge basis and building sustainable networks to sustainably institutionalize these approaches to benefit MSMEs and agripreneurs on the African continent. She joined NEPAD Agency (now AUDA-NEPAD) in 2016 and since then she has held several positions such as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) where she compiled the Annual Progress Reports on Implementation of PIDA Projects in Africa as well as co-authoring several publications on Derisking Infrastructure Projects, Mobilizing Pension and Sovereign Wealth Fund Capital for Africa infrastructure projects; Private Sector Engagement with the Continental Business Network (CBN) and Grow Africa Programme; as well as Resource Mobilisation Officer which saw the development of the AUDA-NEPAD Resource Mobilisation Strategy for 2021 – 2024 and opened new collaborations between AUDA-NEPAD and European based institutions. Daphine was instrumental in the renewal of the collaboration between AUDA-NEPAD and the Spanish Government, NEPAD-Spanish Fund, that led to the development of a consequent 5-year EUR 20 mil programme with Spain on Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) Programme. She is a member of the T20 taskforce which informs the G20 and has co-authored publications and policy briefs on international cooperation with the OECD Development Centre. Prior to joining AUDA-NEPAD, she worked for German Development Cooperation (GIZ) supporting the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). She also worked extensively in the Agricultural Development Sector at Worley Parsons RSA as well as the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Daphine holds a Master of Science Degree (MSc), Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from University of Pretoria, South Africa, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Agribusiness from Solusi University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Finance Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa.

Addressing Dissatisfaction in Intergenerational Home-Sharing: Strategies for Cohabitation between the Elderly and Youth

In recent years, financial difficulties among Japanese students have become increasingly prominent. High tuition fees, declining household incomes, and insufficient scholarship support force students to live with their families despite desires for independence. Meanwhile, demographic shifts, including declining birthrates and the rise of nuclear families, have led to surplus residential space in elderly households. These socio-economic trends have given rise to intergenerational home-sharing, where elderly individuals lease unused space to young people at reasonable rates. This arrangement helps young adults afford housing while providing elderly residents with a more active lifestyle through regular interaction with younger tenants. However, this mutually beneficial system faces challenges as differences in cultures, habits, and personal values between generations can lead to dissatisfaction. A study of organizations listed in Japan's NPO database that facilitate intergenerational home-sharing revealed two primary sources of dissatisfaction: elderly individuals assuming excessive responsibility and demanding extensive information from younger tenants, and young residents experiencing social withdrawal and exhaustion from being overly considerate. These findings suggest that improvements in both informational and spatial aspects could contribute to the increased adoption of intergenerational home-sharing in Japan.
Risa Matusnaga is a second-year graduate student at Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan. After receiving Kokokai Award, the best student award for the undergraduate program, she had working opportunities in Toronto, Canada for one year. She was also a recipient of a series of scholarships, including Hattori International Scholarship Foundation, Japan Student Services Organization, and Yokoyama Educational Foundation, with which she conducted social research at Universitat Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. During her study in Valencia,She actively participated in volunteer activity for disaster recoveries , demonstrating her commitment to community service. Her interest lies in the community formation that allows participants to share their daily lives, which she extends to her master's thesis. At this conference, she will present a report on the users of intergenerational home-sharing in Japan.

Education and the creation of protection policies

This presentation reflects on the importance of coordinating child protection policies with educational policies, based on my own experience. Schools serve as a second home for children, but unfortunately, there's still a significant gap when it comes to actually connecting and translating these policies into a real, tangible impact : at school level. This disconnection creates challenges in effectively integrating both child protection and educational frameworks to provide a truly safe and supportive environment for every child within their community.
Franco - Nicaraguan sociologist, Specialized in Gender and Civil Society formerly based in Myanmar; significant experience working CSOs in the sectors of democracy, advocacy, human rights and transitional justice.

Examining Neo-Colonialism: Socio-Economic Shifts in Zimbabwe under Chinese Investment

This presentation will examine China’s investments in African countries, with Zimbabwe as the case study. It will focus on the history of Zimbabwe’s relationship with China, spanning from the 20th to the 21st century. Using the Gwanda Lithium Mine as a case study, I will analyze the socio-economic impacts of China’s investments in Zimbabwe.
I grew up in Zimbabwe with my three siblings, in a home filled with the values of faith, community, and service. As an ELCA's Internation Women's Leaders scholar, I was allowed to come to the United States to pursue higher education. This has been a transformative journey, as I continue to explore global issues and seek ways to contribute to positive change. One of the most impactful experiences of my academic journey was participating in the Semester at Sea program, which allowed me to do research while traveling and learning about the world firsthand. It was during this time that I realized the importance of combining research with fieldwork to understand complex global issues. Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue my academic journey by applying to graduate school. I plan to expand my research and fieldwork, with a focus on global development, social justice, and the intersection of culture and policy. My ultimate goal is to work for organizations like the United Nations or the Lutheran World Federation, where I hope to contribute to meaningful change and work toward the betterment of communities around the world. My experiences have taught me that healing, reconciliation, and justice are fundamental to creating a more equitable world, and I’m committed to being part of that work.

Opportunities in Collective Housing and cross-border alliances

This presentation provides background information on three emerging cases of social protection development and the potential opportunities that come with them. 1) the growing international movement of collective housing projects 2) Halal tourism and the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand 3) Education for Myanmar migrants on the Thai border.
Raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Ceyhan Haksal completed his BA in philosophy and the history of math and science before beginning his career in education and social sustainability. Having completed his MA at Thammasat's School of Global Studies in Social Innovation and Sustainability, he continued on with the school's PhD program, and now hopes to work in researching and managing projects for upward social mobility.

Department of Social Protection, (THA): A Movement from Economic Development to Economic Innovation

An understanding of the Department of Social Protection in the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, THA and its movements towards poverty reduction.
Hanif Earis Antony Benjamin is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) accredited by the New York State Office of the Professions and a renowned figure in trauma, mental health, and social services across the Caribbean. Mr. Benjamin holds memberships in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the National Center for Crisis Management, along with certifications in Clinical and Forensic Traumatology from the Traumatology Institute of Canada and the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. His dedication to trauma intervention, including specialized certifications in Clinical and Field Traumatology and Child Trauma (C.C.T.), has made him a trusted leader in crisis response. Mr. Benjamin’s significant achievements have earned him an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from the United Graduate College and Seminary International and the I Change Nations Global Award, acknowledging his transformative work in trauma-informed practices and mental health advocacy. Mr. Benjamin’s academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (summa cum laude) from Monroe College and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University, specializing in Clinical Social Work, trauma treatment for children and adolescents, and child and family services. His development continued with post-graduate work at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Since joining the National Centre for Crisis Management and the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health in England in 2013, he has substantially contributed to trauma response.

National Development Institute

This presentation aims to introduce the policy research institute of Mongolia, which has a crucial role in Mongolian development. The National Development Institute (NDI) was established under the Ministry of Economy and Development to support development policy and planning activities per Article 7, Section 7.3 of the Law on Development Policy, Planning and its Management. Article 9, Section 5 of the Law on State and Local Property grants the Government the authority to establish, modify, and dissolve state-owned legal entities and to approve their regulations. Based on this law, the Government approved Resolution No. 22, "On Establishing a State-Owned Enterprise, Financed by the State Budget” on August 7, 2024.
Mungunzul Munkhuu is currently serving as the Foreign Relations and Cooperation Manager at the National Development Institute, which operates under the Ministry of Economy and Development of Mongolia. With a strong academic background in law, having earned a Bachelor's Degree in the field, she brings legal expertise to her role. Her primary responsibilities include fostering and enhancing international partnerships, facilitating cross-border collaborations, and ensuring effective communication between Mongolia and its global counterparts. Through her work, she plays a key role in advancing the country’s economic development initiatives by strengthening diplomatic and cooperative ties with international organizations, government agencies, and foreign stakeholders.