Global policy leaders from the World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) will join academics from Durham and Cambridge in Durham on 14 September for a public debate on the future of work.
The event, titled Global Business and Labour Market Policy in Flux: the ILO, the World Bank and the UK, will examine how policymakers, businesses and researchers can respond to major changes affecting economies and employment around the world.
What the Durham discussion will cover
Organisers say the discussion will address some of the most pressing challenges facing global labour markets. A central theme will be how to balance economic growth and job creation with secure and sustainable working lives.
The panel will also consider opportunities for younger workers, the influence of international organisations on future policy and the role universities can play in informing global decision-making.
Speakers are due to include Dr Sangheon Lee, chief economist at the International Labour Organization; Dr Valeria Perotti, manager of the World Bank’s Business Ready unit; and Professor Simon Deakin of the University of Cambridge.
Durham speakers will include Professor Deirdre McCann of Durham Law School, Professor Rudolf Sinkovics of Durham University Business School, Professor Kieran Fernandes, dean of Durham University Business School, and Professor Bernd Brandl of the Business School.
Research workshop and public access
Alongside the public panel discussion, the visiting experts will take part in a research workshop on international business and labour regulation. The workshop is being organised by Professor Deirdre McCann and will contribute to a forthcoming publication in the European Journal of Industrial Relations, where Professor Brandl serves as editor-in-chief.
Professor Brandl, director of the Business School’s Policy Hub, said the changes affecting global business and labour markets would shape economies and working lives for years to come. He said the ILO and World Bank had an important role in responding to those challenges and shaping international policy, adding that Durham was “delighted to welcome leading experts” to discuss emerging trends and how research could inform global policymaking.
The event is open to members of Durham University and the wider public. The conference is supported by the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, World Bank Group, the University of Cambridge, Durham Law School and Durham University Business School.
Durham University Business School background
The university says Durham University Business School is triple accredited and ranked in the world’s top 100 in the Financial Times European Business School Ranking 2025. It is also ranked ninth globally in the Financial Times Online MBA Ranking 2026 and joint 85th in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2026.
Further information is available through Durham University’s event listing and Professor McCann’s Decent Work Regulation Project at Durham Law School.