BIEN | Opinion

Opinion Posts


Here you will find articles expressing opinions about current issues in the Basic Income debate. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of BIEN.

How Basic Income Can Support Climate Tech Solutions

The evolution of climate action has reflected the need for affordable options. Universal basic income (UBI) has the unique opportunity to empower everyone to change the world. The warming environment necessitates rapid development and deployment of climate...

read more
Chinese youth ‘optimistic’ toward basic income

Chinese youth ‘optimistic’ toward basic income

In a recent study conducted examining attitudes among Chinese youth towards basic income, notable findings emerged, highlighting both a lack of comprehensive understanding and a positive disposition towards the concept. The study, conducted through a questionnaire by...

read more
UBI Provides a Safety Net During Bank Failures

UBI Provides a Safety Net During Bank Failures

This month Silicon Valley Bank defaulted causing the biggest bank failure since Lehman Brothers in 2008. The US government helped in finding a solution to stop the depositors from losing their money. The main reason for the bank's failure was a bank run because of the...

read more
New blog post argues for UBI to reform capitalism

New blog post argues for UBI to reform capitalism

In a blog post entitled "Re-engineering our fragile economy and democracy", Geoff Crocker argues that UBI "addresses ethical issues of income inequality, gender inequality, precarity, and security" and should be at least in part financed by "central bank monetary...

read more

Negative Income Tax (NIT) is Preferable to UBI

NIT, UBI, Guaranteed Income et al, are ultimately functions of our tax, fiscal, and monetary systems. Whatever initialism is used the same end results will be realized. A NIT is the most appropriate way of describing how a UBI etc. will be implemented and ultimately...

read more
COP27: An opportunity for basic income

COP27: An opportunity for basic income

Leaders from around the world are attending to discuss climate change, its consequences, and how to face them. This event is COP27 which took place in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. One of the focuses of the recent climate conference is how to support countries, especially...

read more

Countries that Have Tried Universal Basic Income

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a program that provides citizens of a country with a monthly or annual stipend. It is given to individuals regardless of their employment status, income, or resources they own. The objective of Universal Basic Income is to reduce...

read more
Where does Korea’s basic income movement go next?

Where does Korea’s basic income movement go next?

On March 9th, 48.56 percent of Korean people voted for Yoon Seok-yeol of the People Power Party which won only 0.7 percent more compared to 47.83% for Lee Jae-myung who pledged to implement basic income. With less than 1 percent difference in his loss, there is the local election coming in two weeks and another general election in two years. Where will Korea’s basic income movement go after Lee Je-myeong ‘s defeat?

read more

BIEN Congresses

Basic Income, Solidarity Economy and Social Protection

The 24th BIEN CONGRESS in Maricá & Niterói – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 27-29 August 2025

Maricá provides unconditional transfers to almost half of its population.  7 other cities in the state of Rio de Janeiro have already created their own local currencies inspired by Maricá’s Citizens Basic Income.  Our other host city, Niterói provides transfers benefiting more than 100,000 individuals.

Pre-congress events: Latin America Day: 25 Aug. & Early Career Day: 26 Aug.

Call for Papers Announcement: Nov. 2024

Linkedin & Instagrambiencongress25 (at) gmail [dot] com

BIEN2024 was August 29–31 (Pictures and more coming soon)

Papers, pictures, and videos from BIEN2023.


Basic Income

A Basic Income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement. Read more


Pitch a Story

To pitch a story, please click here.


BIEN Monthly Bulletin Signup