Event

GBEND Annual Convening: Rome 2026

29 Oct 2026
,
9:00
In person and online
•
Rome
Hosted by World Bank as network co-chair, GBEND’s Annual Convening will celebrate the network’s progress, showcase innovative work from members and partners, and explore the opportunities and challenges ahead for behavioral science in international development.

The GBEND Annual Convening brings together behavioral scientists, policymakers, researchers and practitioners from across the network to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and shape the future of behavioral science in international development.

Hosted at the World Bank's offices in Rome, this year's convening will celebrate the network's progress, showcase innovative work from members and partners and explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The programme will feature inspiring keynote speakers, practical discussions, collaborative workshops and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from around the world. Together, we'll reflect on what we've achieved, identify priorities for 2027 and explore how behavioral science can continue to tackle some of the world's most pressing development challenges.

This year's discussions will include emerging areas of work such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), AI and technology, alongside examples of high-impact behavioral science from across the global development community.

A networking dinner will take place on the evening of 28 October, giving members an opportunity to reconnect ahead of the convening.

Why attend?

  • Connect with behavioral science leaders working across international development.
  • Hear from leading voices from development, policy and academia.
  • Discover innovative projects and practical lessons from across the GBEND network.
  • Help shape GBEND's priorities and collaborative programme of work for 2027.
  • Build new partnerships and identify opportunities to collaborate on future initiatives.

Speakers

Zeina Afif

Zeina Afif

World Bank
Shailaja Annamraju

Shailaja Annamraju

Global Innovation Fund
Rasha Attar

Rasha Attar

Behavioral Science Group
Chiara Cappellini

Chiara Cappellini

Behavioral Science Group
Abigail Dalton

Abigail Dalton

World Bank
Professor David Halpern

Professor David Halpern

BIT
Helen Hawkings

Helen Hawkings

Malaria Consortium
Nancy Lozano Gracia

Nancy Lozano Gracia

World Bank
Marko Maganga Mabula

Marko Maganga Mabula

Afya Ya Mnyama Digital
Taitos Matafeni

Taitos Matafeni

Malaria Consortium
Cortney Price

Cortney Price

FAO
Nour Shammout

Nour Shammout

J-PAL
Professor Dilip Soman

Professor Dilip Soman

University of Toronto
Renos Vakis

Renos Vakis

World Bank
Dr Chiara Varazzani

Dr Chiara Varazzani

OECD
Mónica Wills-Silva

Mónica Wills-Silva

BIT