Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the International Economic Association, I am very glad to welcome you to the 15th World Congress of the IEA. We are very fortunate to be able to hold it in Istanbul, an ideal city given that The Challenge of Globalization is the Congress’ unifying theme.
I am thankful to the Turkish Economic Association for its support, and especially to its president, Professor Ercan Uygur, for his leadership and enthusiasm at every step of the way.
Globalization issues have become central to the discussion about a good number of important topics such us trade and financial liberalization, global warming, and poverty and income distribution. Although most people would agree that globalization opens up new and exciting possibilities, risks are very real and cannot be ignored. Financial crises in emerging markets, for example, show that opening up channels for capital to flow from rich to poor countries - a process that has the potential of benefiting everyone, rich or poor -could backfire and turn the tide in the opposite direction. Even in cases in which globalization has brought about higher growth rates, one hears loud and angry voices claiming that the winners are just a handful few, while most of the population is left behind. To the extent that this perception prevails, the political sustainability of globalization will always be at stake, weakening the credibility of policy and policymakers, and bringing a new wave of massive and indiscriminate interventionism with global implications.
The IEA World Congress offers an ideal setup to discuss globalization issues because the Association encompasses many countries around the world and, since its inception, encourages scientific and nonpartisan debate. The support of the TEA and the inspiring surrounding provided by this wonderful and evocative city will surely contribute to the success of our deliberations. I wish you all a very productive and pleasant stay in Istanbul with my heartfelt thanks for your participation in the program.
Guillermo Calvo
President of the IEA |
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Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Turkish Economic Association (TEA) and the Organising Committee, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Istanbul on June 25, 2008 for the 15th World Congress of the International Economic Association (IEA).
Since its foundation in 1929 and its IEA membership in 1977, the TEA has organised several national and international activities. Yet, the 15th World Congress is the most significant of such activities and we shall do our utmost for you to benefit from the congress and to enjoy your stay in Istanbul.
Istanbul has been a city of several civilizations and religions since it was first settled as early as in 5500 BC. It is the only city situated on two continents, Asia on the east and Europe on the west, with Bosphorus in between. Napoleon Bonaparte summarily described the city; “If the whole world was a state, Istanbul would be the capital of it.” Indeed, Istanbul was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 and was recently chosen as a European Capital of Culture for 2010.
Scientific groundwork for the 15th World Congress is done, under the leadership of Professor Guillermo Calvo, by members of the Programme Committee, who have chosen the central theme of the congress as The Challenge of Globalisation. Some topics under this theme are; International Finance, Macroeconomic Policy, Trade and Growth, Migration, Political Economy, The Role of the State and Institution, Global Imbalances, and Globalisation in Historical Perspective. The Committee welcomes submissions on any topic of economics.
On behalf of the TEA and the Organising Committee, I very much thank Professor Guillermo Calvo and each and every member of the Programme Committee for their efforts for the Congress.
I look forward to welcoming you in Istanbul in June 2008.
Ercan Uygur
President of the TEA |