A Nobel-Worthy Inquiry: Abhijit V. Banerjee Guest of the Invernizzi Foundation

Professor Banerjee, awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2019 together with his wife Esther Duflo for their experimental approach to combating global poverty, engaged in a wide-ranging discussion with Lucia Goracci on numerous topics central to contemporary economics and global public debate. The conversation covered Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)—which have revolutionized the evaluation of development policies—as well as philanthropy, culture, artificial intelligence, climate change, armed conflict, and social justice.

Particularly well received was his reflection on how poverty is not a “destiny” but a changeable condition, echoing the words of Pope Francis. Banerjee strongly reinforced this message, emphasizing the need for a cultural battle for change. “I grew up in Calcutta, right next to a slum,” the professor recalled. “It wasn’t really a choice: it’s hard to be an economist without reflecting on such a vivid part of your personal history.”

Among the most thought-provoking parts of the event was Banerjee’s perspective on artificial intelligence as a practical tool in the fight against poverty. “It’s already starting to be used to provide healthcare in remote areas, for instance, by allowing people to take medical photos and have them analyzed by AI, offering decision support to under-trained health workers,” he explained. He added that AI would likely play a role in education as well, though “it’s not yet clear exactly how—but we’ll figure it out, maybe through interactive conversations.” However, he also warned, “One of the major concerns of our time remains the issue of job loss.”

Banerjee also provided a clear analysis of the shifting global context. While there were “clear signs of progress in the fight against poverty” up until 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic represented “a major setback.” Now, the greatest threat looming is climate change: “The number of days above 35°C in poor countries is rising rapidly, and this directly affects people’s ability to work and survive. When it's that hot all day, every day, those temperatures become dangerous—people die.” He issued a strong appeal to wealthier nations: “This isn’t a problem caused by countries like Ghana. It’s a crisis created by the rest of the world. There needs to be some form of acknowledgment and compensation.”

There were also more personal and original insights, such as the unexpectedly culinary connection between his recent writing and Italy. In his book Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society, Banerjee shares how a trip to Italy changed his relationship with certain "problematic" childhood foods, like vanilla and chicken. Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society, Banerjee racconta di come proprio un viaggio nel nostro Paese abbia cambiato il suo rapporto con alcuni cibi “problematici” della sua infanzia, come la vaniglia e il pollo.

Lastly, Banerjee offered a thoughtful critique of modern philanthropy, describing it as “improving, but still too driven by founders’ intent.” “Today, people ask more questions, seek evidence, and listen to experts. That’s a positive trend, but the founders’ will—or the will of those managing foundations—still carries too much weight compared to actual data and needs. Still, I believe we’re moving in the right direction.”

The Invernizzi Foundation is proud to have promoted and organized this event, as part of its ongoing efforts to support knowledge-sharing among younger generations. This commitment aligns with its sponsorship of major initiatives such as the ISPI Next Forum 2025, and reflects the Foundation’s values of promoting innovation, critical thinking, and international openness.