International conference explores new approaches to aid and charity

Monique Deveaux, Canada Research Chair in Ethics and Global Social Change, is combining philosophical thinking with practical development work to find better ways of empowering the poor—and in doing so, reduce poverty in developing countries.

As part of her ongoing research at the University of Guelph, Deveaux used an SSHRC grant to organize a conference on global ethics and fairness, bringing together scholars from numerous disciplines (including philosophy, political science and sociology) to examine ways of moving toward an aid model that goes beyond redistributing income and resources by giving a direct voice to those who need to be heard the most.

The conference fostered new cross-discipline collaboration, helping attendees realize how their current and future research could help change how society thinks about (and approaches) the ethical challenges related to giving aid to developing countries.