March 3-5, 2027
Amsterdam – @Droog, Staalstraat 7B
The last two decades have seen an explosion in research, policy making and activism on equitable and democratic public services. From public water to public banks, there is growing interest in what makes them ‘public’, how they interact with each other and the best ways to reproduce good practices.
This conference brings together leading academics, decision makers, unions and civil society groups working to build a global pro-public movement. We will focus on the role of public banks in advancing a progressive public services future, debate the merits of different public financing models and discuss what needs to be done to advance a pro-public agenda into the future.
REGISTRATIONThe event is being hosted by the Municipal Services Project and the Public Banking Project in collaboration with the Transnational Institute, Public Services International and the University of Glasgow.
OVERVIEW
The opening night will provide an overview of the state of public banks, from the grassroots to the global. This will be followed by a reception.
The full conference day will cover a range of topics, from the financing of public services to public bank governance and the future of public banking and public services. Short presentations from experts will be accompanied by dynamic group discussions. Lunch will be provided.
An optional Strategy Session will be held in the morning of day three to discuss research and policy making into the future.
A full Conference Agenda will be available soon.
ACCESSIBILITY
The meeting space of the conference facility is wheel-chair friendly and step-free but the room where we will have lunch on the full day of the conference is only accessible by stairs.
ACCOMMODATION
There are many hotels near the conference venue, including Hotel Nes. Amsterdam is a very popular tourist destination so we recommend that you book early.
For general background information on the topic of public banks and public services please see the following:
- Public Banks: Decarbonisation, Definancialisation and Democratisation
- Public Banks and Public Water in the Global South: Financing Options for Sustainable Development
- The case for municipal public banks
- Public Banks in Canada Conference
REGISTRATION
The conference is sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, McMaster University and Queen’s University.
