The Politics of Poverty and Hope

This inaugural Circle U. Open Conversation with Professor Dan Banik explores the interconnectedness of major global challenges and the need for a collective, optimistic mindset to drive meaningful change. In doing so, it underscores the importance of cultivating optimism among the world’s youth. The interconnected nature of climate change and poverty reduction is a focal point, with insights into how addressing one challenge can positively influence the other. Being the torchbearers of the future, younger generations play a pivotal role in shaping policies and driving initiatives that promote sustainability and poverty reduction.
Dan Banik is professor of political science, director of the Oslo SDG Initiative at the Centre for Development and the Environment, and affiliate professor at Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo. He is also Academic Director of the Democracy Hub at Circle U. European University Alliance and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria.