Cutting extreme poverty in half is one of the greatest achievements of the last three decades. But in too many of the world’s poorest countries, progress is completely stuck. Can fragile states, where conflict and corruption blight citizens’ life chances, escape the ‘fragility trap’? A panel discussion with:

• Rafat Ali Al-Akhali, Fellow of Practice, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
• Professor Sir Paul Collier, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
• Dr Serge Michailof, Associate Researcher, Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS)
• Dr Kathryn Nwajiaku, Head of the Secretariat, International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding, based at the OECD

In an increasingly unstable global political climate, governments around the world face greater challenges than ever. This year, the Challenges of Government Conference looks at the 'Future of Government', analysing how technological changes, new kinds of politics and different approaches to addressing inequality can be harnessed for the public good.

The Challenges of Government Conference is the Blavatnik School's annual flagship event, which brings together the brightest minds in government, the private sector and academia to discuss policies, strategies and solutions to the world’s public policy challenges.

With thanks to our knowledge partner: McKinsey Center for Government.