From ‘Lost Decades’ to Human Rights Economies: Rethinking Development from Sri Lanka’s Experience | UNSSC | United Nations Syst
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:10
From ‘Lost Decades’ to Human Rights Economies: Rethinking Development from Sri Lanka’s Experience | UNSSC | United Nations System Staff College
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Economies that work - for all
From ‘Lost Decades’ to Human Rights Economies: Rethinking Development from Sri Lanka’s Experience
Episode 9
21 April 2026
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We welcome Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar—a leading Sri Lankan economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jaffna, examines Sri Lanka’s so-called “lost decade,” marked by a shrinking economy, rising debt burdens, widespread food shortages, and skyrocketing inflation. He traces how misguided economic and development policies compounded over time to erode what was once a relatively prosperous economy.
While rooted in Sri Lanka’s experience, his analysis resonates far beyond one country, offering insights into the structural pressures shaping economic development across many countries. Dr. Kadirgamar makes the case for a Human Rights Economy grounded in collective action,participation and democratic economic policymaking, calling systems designed to improve people’s lives rather than maximize profits.
If you’d like to learn more about the Human Rights Economy, the work of OHCHR or UNSSC,
check this link
.
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Skip to main content
Economies that work - for all
From ‘Lost Decades’ to Human Rights Economies: Rethinking Development from Sri Lanka’s Experience
Episode 9
21 April 2026
Subscribe on
Spotify
Apple
Share on
f
l
t
We welcome Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar—a leading Sri Lankan economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jaffna, examines Sri Lanka’s so-called “lost decade,” marked by a shrinking economy, rising debt burdens, widespread food shortages, and skyrocketing inflation. He traces how misguided economic and development policies compounded over time to erode what was once a relatively prosperous economy.
While rooted in Sri Lanka’s experience, his analysis resonates far beyond one country, offering insights into the structural pressures shaping economic development across many countries. Dr. Kadirgamar makes the case for a Human Rights Economy grounded in collective action,participation and democratic economic policymaking, calling systems designed to improve people’s lives rather than maximize profits.
If you’d like to learn more about the Human Rights Economy, the work of OHCHR or UNSSC,
check this link
.
Related episodes
Episode 1
18 June 2025
Why is our economic system failing the 2030 Agenda?
Episode 2
24 June 2025
Is the solution hiding in plain sight? Political choices for a new economic model
Episode 3
27 June 2025
Life and Debt: Why the SDGs cannot progress under austerity
Episode 4
02 July 2025
The Doughnut Economy: promoting a development model that focuses on people and the planet
Episode 5
08 July 2025
Mission-oriented economies: putting human rights at the centre
Episode 6
11 July 2025
Can economic policies promote inclusivity?
Episode 7
27 March 2026
Walking the talk: How Spain is building an economy that works for people
Episode 8
07 April 2026
Reducing inequality: Inside Brazil's approach to a fairer taxation that shapes redistribution
Episode 9
14 April 2026
Advancing a Rights-based Just Transition in South Africa