A Basic Income is a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means-test or work requirement.
The Royal Society of Arts Explains: [2 minutes]
BIEN Congresses
The 24th BIEN CONGRESS in Maricá & Niterói – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 27-29 August 2025
Linkedin, Instagram, X – biencongress25 (at) gmail [dot] com
BIEN2024 was August 29–31 (Pictures and more coming soon)
Recent News, Opinion, and Research
Karl Widerquist on Political Philosophy of Basic Income
Today, we are joined by Karl Widerquist, a political philosophy professor at Georgetown University-Qatar. He has an extensive research and publication record on universal basic income. He uses an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating economics, politics,...
BIEN’s Asia-Pacific Hub publishes its first newsletter
In January, BIEN's Asia-Pacific Hub published its first newsletter, 14 pages complete with many articles and photos. To view the newsletter, click here.
Steven Janssens on Basic Income in Impoverished Communities
Steven Janssens is a Belgian filmmaker and engineer known for his diverse career as a director, editor, and trainer. He gained recognition for documenting Crazy Money (2020), a film capturing the Eight project in Busibi, Uganda, where residents receive unconditional...
Jan 29th 3pm: Reflecting on the Swiss Basic Income Referendum
In this event, we will be joined by one of the architects of the Swiss Basic Income Referendum, Enno Schmidt. To date, Switzerland is the only country anywhere that has gone to the polls over whether or not to adopt a basic income for all. Despite ingenious...
Sarath Davala on Indian Nuances of Basic Income
Today, we are here with Sarath Davala. He is an international intellectual, an Indian sociologist, and the Chair the of Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN), a global organization fostering dialogue on universal basic income. Of the organizations I write for and...
Is it time for basic income in Pakistan?
Photo by Hamid Roshaan on Unsplash Social assistance is everywhere conditional, and in Pakistan it is no different. Either it comes with behavioural strings attached — ‘do this and we’ll help you, don’t and we won’t’ — or it is targeted, with receipt conditional on...
Denver Basic Income Project Publishes Playbook
Note: The concept of basic income discussed here does not conform to BIEN's definition. "Many Americans are struggling with poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, addiction, and other challenges that make it extremely difficult to get back on their feet....
Reminder: Paid Consulting Opportunity: Mapping the Global Fundraising Ecosystem for BIEN
The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive overview of the global fundraising ecosystem as part of our strategy to ensure financial sustainability in 2025. Deadline for applications: 17 January 2025. Project Overview ●...
Interview of Guy Standing re Emergency Basic Income
Dr. Guy Standing is a Professorial Research Associate at SOAS University of London and a founding member and honorary co-president of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN). This non-governmental organization promotes a basic income for all. Standing discusses the...
Climate Justice Without Borders
How Cap and Share can end fossil fuel extraction, raise trillions for climate finance, and create a global universal basic income. To read more, click here.
How Rio de Janeiro’s municipalities are reinventing local development through cash transfers
Social currencies have emerged as an innovative instrument not only for transferring cash, but also for promoting local development. By boosting local consumption and supporting small businesses, they help communities build self-sustaining economies. Drawing on...
Why social assistance shouldn’t come with strings attached
"When the authorities provide social assistance to those in need, it almost always comes with conditions attached. These include behavioural requirements or criteria determining who is and isn’t eligible for support. Common examples include proving that you’re looking...