Basic Income Earth

It’s happening! The countdown to the 2026 BIEN Congress, landing in Philadelphia 27–29 July, has officially begun.

A recent analysis from London School of Economics and Political Science highlights concerns that automation could deepen inequality, weaken pathways into the workforce for youth, and outpace current reskilling systems, causing large-scale labour disruptionhttps://zurl.co/6ijam

Forbes analysis article examines the increasing concern that automation may displace large segments of the workforce faster than new forms of employment can emerge, reviving interest in UBI as a potential social and economic stabiliser. zurl.co/YiTMr

A study examining New York’s “Guaranteed Income for Artists” programme found that artists who received $1,000 per month for 18 months continued working. They were able to reduce time spent on survival jobs and dedicate more energy to creative projects zurl.co/EcV8V

Our BIEN Treasurer, Lindsay Stirton, now elected as Mayor of Seaford (UK) 👏🏽, will run the Rio Marathon on 7 June to raise funds for the Congress Solidarity Fund. Together, let's support him on this noble cause for BIEN 2026 in Toronto. Donate here zurl.co/XD6yo

Jorge Drescher of Kyiv, Ukraine, has written two thought-provoking articles posing conceptual issues related to wages, work, and basic income. The first article, “Wage Negotiation. Observed by a Third Party”, raises several doubts concerning the process. zurl.co/Mda1G

Basic Income "is not only a safety net, it is also a social investment, since protecting children today means guaranteeing opportunities tomorrow." Minister Elma Saiz. The program now reaches 846,454 households, in which 1,052,837 children reside. zurl.co/fq2tV

It has been found that new business startups have increased in areas participating in the 'Basic Income for Farming and Fishing Villages'. The number of affiliated stores in the regions had increased by 13.1% as of the end of January this year. zurl.co/MtCYU

South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to fuel calls for a permanent Basic Income Grant (BIG). Article suggests expanding income support is no longer only a welfare issue, but an economic necessity due to high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. zurl.co/QcdPp

Let's come together and support Lindsay Stirton, who will run the Rio Marathon on 7 June to raise funds for the Congress Solidarity Fund, helping low-income participants attend BIEN 2026 in Toronto. Every donation counts! zurl.co/4k0lw

A recent article in Substact highlights how unconditional cash transfers can serve as a stabilising mechanism, giving people the flexibility to adapt, recover, and participate more fully in economic and community life, even amid systemic disruption. zurl.co/npiP1

Direct digital cash transfer models in Kenya and South Korea could help Cambodia reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in its social protection systems, expand financial inclusion, and improve access to support for vulnerable populations. zurl.co/drBAY

A study on New York’s “Guaranteed Income for Artists” programme found that artists who received $1,000 per month for 18 months did not stop working; instead, they shifted time away from survival jobs and toward creative and cultural work they valued most. zurl.co/iAnKJ

Discussions around Basic income are gaining momentum globally. A recent opinion piece in Arab News explores how it is increasingly being considered as a response to technological disruption, inequality, and economic insecurity. zurl.co/nLLFq

More than 100 residents attended a recent sign-up event for Evanston’s Guaranteed Income Program, highlighting the growing demand for direct cash support in communities across the United States. Applications will be selected through a lottery system. zurl.co/rXTBL

Basic income can function not only as social protection, but also as climate adaptation infrastructure, helping households build resilience amid rising living costs, energy transitions, and economic uncertainty linked to AI and data-centre expansion. zurl.co/2ko83

BIEN Treasurer Lindsay Stirton will run the Rio Marathon on 7 June to raise funds for the Congress Solidarity Fund—helping low-income participants attend BIEN 2026 in Toronto. Travel, visas, and accommodation can be major barriers. Support here: zurl.co/4ZxIg

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections, major political parties backed plans for a pilot programme that would provide guaranteed income support to artists, recognising that creativity, culture, and community wellbeing all depend on economic security. zurl.co/scLuN

Sacramento may fund guaranteed income for former foster youth using cannabis tax revenue. A proposed pilot would provide up to $900/month for 30 months to youth ageing out of foster care, funded through Measure L cannabis taxes approved by voters in 2022 zurl.co/7N2JB

South Korea’s Hapcheon County is pushing to launch a rural basic income pilot to fight population decline and economic stagnation. The county says nearly half its population has disappeared over the past 30 years, and is at risk of “extinction. zurl.co/dAy1d

Basic income programs are becoming popular, but funding them is getting harder. In Colorado, growing interest in guaranteed income is running up against a $1.5 billion state budget shortfall, forcing lawmakers to prioritise cuts over new spending. zurl.co/xmwz6