Busara will host Disha ColLab ’23 with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in New Delhi on January 11-12, 2023, bringing together the most forward-looking thinkers to share their deep experience of working at the intersection of behavioral science, international development, government, academia and industry.

“It’s a privilege to co-host an event of this size with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. To support initiatives born and honed within the Global South is actually an acknowledgement of the Majority World,” said Aditya Jagati, Busara’s Country Director in India. “What we are trying to do is not only uplift behavioral science in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, but also appreciate the expertise that only lived experiences can bring.”

Disha ColLab’23, which translates to “direction through collaboration,” is a platform to collectively chart out a direction for behavioral science to flourish in India. The event brings together a range of collaborators, from leaders in the field to students, practitioners, scientists, and more. The field has made incredible milestones, such as institutionalizing the behavioral insights unit at Niti Aayog, the think tank of India’s government, and Disha ColLab ’23 will set the groundwork for new achievements.
Busara identified the need for Disha ColLab through exploring what building a thriving behavioral science ecosystem in India requires. Busara has identified how countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and others have integrated behavioral science into their policy processes to examine how countries in the Global South – and India in particular – might need to adapt this model to serve their own unique contexts.

After more than 50 interviews with leading practitioners spanning across these countries and India, roundtable consultations, and several pilot programs, the research clearly showed that India might be better served by carving out a different way to grow the field of behavioral science, rather than following an existing template. DishaColLab ’23 marks the beginning of putting some of the research insights into practice and the start of conversations and collaborations in India.
Limited seats at the industry event will be opened for the general public based on availability. Registration is available through Disha ColLab Expression of Interest Form.