UNICEF and ODI are pleased to announce the upcoming conference 'The impact of the global food, fuel, and financial crises and policy responses: A child-sensitive approach', which will take place in London. The tentative dates are currently November 9-10, 2009. The conference will convene development practitioners, policy experts and academic researchers from around the world to examine the ways in which the food and fuel price volatility, financial market volatility and global economic slowdown are affecting children and youth in both developing and developed countries and recommend policy responses.

ODI and UNICEF are currently calling for relevant papers to be submitted for consideration. Papers can draw upon original research, evidence from past crises or first-hand policy-making experience to advance the discussion of how best to protect children and ensure their access to basic and social services during and after the crisis.

Deadline for abstract submissions (300 words in length) is July 31, 2009 and should be sent to: [email protected] by July 31 for consideration. The conference organisers will decide which abstracts to accept for the conference and inform authors by 30 August. Final paper submissions will be expected by 15 October