We are pleased to announce that the 8^th edition of the CUTS-CIRC Biennial Conference on Competition, Regulation and Development is going to be held during 9-10 October 2023. The theme for this Biennial is “Prioritising Socially Sensitive Sectors”. A brief note on the intellectually rich legacy of the CUTS-CIRC Biennial series is attached herewith.

Convergence of several crises like pandemic, armed conflicts, climate change and the ensuing geopolitical churning are adversely affecting the society, in general, and poorer sects, in particular. Broken supply chains, supply chain abuses, rising inflation, loss of jobs and lack of income opportunities, shortages of food and medicines, faltering infrastructure are some of the social pain points that can be attributed to such crises. All these are adding to the existing socio-economic inequality within and between nations, going against the essence of ‘building back better’ – a call given during the pandemic.

Based on the above-said theme, the 8^th Biennial will have in total seven sessions, including an inaugural and a valedictory session, with the following sub-themes:

• Inaugural Session: Polycrisis and Social Welfare
• Session 1: Regulatory Deficit in Access to Healthcare
• Session 2: Food and Agriculture – Trade & Competition
• Session 3: Employment and Gig Economy – Role of Competition and Regulation
• Session 4: Climate Change and Competition Policy
• Session 5: Responsible ICT and Inclusive Digital Economy
• Valedictory – The Road Ahead