Young Economists’ Conference

The Young Economists’ Conference comprised of sessions throughout the day and pupils joined webinars on a variety of crucial economic issues.

Lal Chadeesingh, Senior Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team, spoke about behavioural economics and how it is used to enhance public policy.

Henry in Year 12 describes the lecture:

“He talked how behavioural economics can continue to be used to enhance public policy. We learned about the framework for behavioural change which consists of being: Easy, Attractive, Social and Timely (EAST). He then gave us some examples about how these have been used in real life settings to bring about change.”

Helen Thomas, CEO of the independent consultancy firm, Blonde Money, was discussing the role of Financial Markets – how they work, how they fail and how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed them.

Rhea Torasker in Year 12 described the session:

“She drew upon her 20 years of expertise in the industry to explain the core assets shaping the global economic system in a comprehensible manner. We were able to engage through polls to share our insights and ask our own questions about today’s unprecedented economic conditions.”

In the afternoon there was a Discussion Panel on Careers in Economics. Panellists from a range of backgrounds discussed their career paths and offered tips and advice to pupils considering careers using Economics.

The day was rounded off by Professor Diane Coyle, the inaugural Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge, who spoke about her work on the idea of Natural Capital and the importance of Comprehensive Wealth for Economics.

Alex Buckley in Year 12 describes Diane’s lecture:

“Diane Coyle finished the talk with its fundamental message that instead of ‘building back better’, we should instead be ‘building forward’ in order to tackle the severe long-term challenges that the economy is facing.”