For this Q&A, a great number of questions were submitted in advance. We asked the audience to help us select the questions that should be put to our experts. The star symbol ✮ indicates the most upvoted submissions.
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Hello everyone, and welcome to Human Capital at the Crossroads: Reversing the Losses, Reclaiming Our Future. I’m Aisha Faquir. I am here to moderate this chat and share the highlights of the event while Victoria Strokova tries to answer as many of your questions as she can. Please tell us what brings you here today. Why are you interested in the topic at hand?
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✮ Mwebaza Sylivia Samalie Can I get a summarised description of Human capital project of the world bank
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Mwebaza Sylivia Samalie: Thank you for your interest! Our website has a wealth of the information about the Human Capital Project. You can start with this brief “About” page: www.worldbank.org
Mwebaza Sylivia Samalie Which programs have been availed by the world bank to help the people who have been severely affected by covid 19
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) @Mwebaza Sylivia Samalie: I invite you to visit our website dedicated to the World Bank Group's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.worldbank.org/en/who-we-are/news/coronavirus-covid19
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Live now: World Bank Group President, David Malpass will welcome Tanzania’s first female president, Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu in a fireside chat on the key issue of investing in human capital and reclaiming the future.
Clement Owen Goldson Education must be a journey of discovery for a child. Using technology such as the view master or the Raspberry Pi + Raspberry Pi Foundation should provide a pathway to bring retired teachers or volunteer teachers in contact with more students. It is important to identify low cost ways of delivering world class education.
Vivienne Laing Safety, health and environment is a basic requirement for investing in human capital especially in promoting sustainability in developing countries, why then are countries such as Uganda not assisted to implement this for economic growth?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Vivienne Laing: This is a great point! We take safety, health and environment very seriously. The Environmental and Social Framework applies to all Investment Policy Financing projects initiated after October 1, 2018 and makes important advances in areas such as labor and working conditions, community health and safety, and stakeholder engagement – including expanding the role of public participation and grievance mechanisms. See more at www.worldbank.org
✮ Blossom Boyo Haruna Idris The poignant fact about human capital development is that inclusive growth requires unhindered access to financial capital, considering that access to Financial capital has been Financial capital has been bottle neck of some sort for businesses in low and middle income countries, why won't world bank bypass intermediary institutions of access to finance, and provide the funds directly to viable businesses in low and middle income countries or nations(LMCs), given that these intermediary institutions, hardly rarely, get funds to targeted end users in LMCs.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Blossom Boyo Haruna Idris: Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. The World Bank provides financing, technical assistance, and knowledge to governments to help improve access to finance: www.worldbank.org The International Finance Corporation, directly invests in companies through loans and other instruments as part of its mission to help countries develop their private sector: www.ifc.org
✮ Ijeoma Chibueze Victor The rate at which the COVID-19 ravaged humanity showed that the world is yet to evolve a strong healthcare system. Doesn't it really require to build a strong and resilient healthcare system that can withstand any form of pandemic?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Ijeoma Chibueze Victor: Experience from the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed highlighted the importance of building stronger, more resilient health systems. The World Bank supports One Health approaches that integrate human, animal, and environmental health; better data and early warning systems; digital emergency preparedness and information campaigns; and capacity building to ensure countries’ spending is financially sustainable. Our website has more information: www.worldbank.org
Ibrahim Gozaki Garba What is the world bank apport on African poor families whose wants takes theirs family to schools
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Ibrahim Gozaki Garba: Thank you for your question. With support from the World Bank and other partners, many countries in Africa expanded access to social protection programs. Social protection programs help building the resilience of poor and vulnerable households by supporting them in investing in productive assets and human capital. Such programs can protect and enhance households’ education, nutrition, and health. For more information, you can look at the latest report: www.worldbank.org
BELEMA TOM_GEORGE I Suggest that grant should be given to CSOs inorder to disburse to individual aim to invest in businesses, skills and potentials for sustainability.
Amidu Bah Thank you for availing me this opportunity to submit a question about a burning issue concerning the state of children who have lost their parents , the breadwinners of the family, in relation to their fate when it comes to education, social upbringing, human rights, etc.
Juan Fernando Gutiérrez Gutierrez Is open for private sector organizations?
SUZAN AKELLO OTOL How can we inculcate Occupational Safety,Health and Environment training to improve the wellbeingof human capital
Siphiwe Namagowa How can human capital be nurtured in the millennial era where the young generation is self centered. Most young people do not want to work for the next generation or preserve for the next generation like how our fore fathers did.
Uthpal Kishore Das Can you invest on individual?
Akinradewo A.M.Orobola How can a nation developed, In what way can we invest in the life of others,and how can sustainable development be achieved?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Akinradewo: Thank you for raising these important questions. The World Bank stepped up our support to the poorest countries: by moving up the latest replenishment of International Development Association, our fund for the poorest, by a year, and by mobilizing $93 billion to address greater needs through 2025. In addition, the World Bank provides knowledge and financing to help close the global digital divide: www.worldbank.org
Ejimofor Empower the less privileged in Nigeria.
Sujata das The world bank should make a law that no country should deprive any african or sarrc countries by name of devolopment. In details no single countries shouldnot give loan to any country 2
The world bank should make a law that no single country shouldnot give loan to any country for human devolopment ,education , or infrastructure devolopment to any loan receiver country not more than 2 percent GDP of that receiver country. At present their are country who want to capture country via bankrup . Aggitation among people at various country. Details research should be done ,world bank should study every country financial budget . What is the total demand of money for devolopment and growth in africa ,asia,europe southamerica ,america ,australia.
Selvaraj The one and only option left is giveup branding people , just make them resourceful by self reliance and resilience , both being possible provided the system is ablely supported by honest and just individuals with zeal to help. Volunteering is to be avoided as it makes them egotist.
Ram Charitra Sah Human capital condition of Nepal is at critical stage. As most of the people have migrated to abroad mainly the Gulf Countries for employment. This has became the major source of national economy at the cost of dead body received everyday. So what roles has been played by WORLD BANK to prevent such losses of life in the world of work?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Ram Charitra Sah: This is an important question. Our research shows that increasing the returns to migration—for both the migrant worker and the sending family, will boost job quality and household earnings, with positive economic spillovers: openknowledge.worldbank.org The Government of Nepal has also initiated programs such as the Youth Employment Transformation Initiative Project to address the labor market challenges in Nepal: www.worldbank.org
Hilpolith Rothschild I want to ask Madam President Of the United Republic Of Tanzania "is there any plan to establish new SOE(state owned enterprises) in Tanzania to address the issue of Unemployment because if they are well managed and integrated into the digital economy they will be tremendously beneficial like those in China, and is there any plan or Policy initiative to establish native Software Applications to address the needs in Tanzania like Social Media, Streaming Apps, Ride Hailing, Money Transafer etc to facilitate the development overall in Tanzania?
Houssam el krimi How will the private sector be able to make positive contributions by providing a share of 7% of a real partnership in the sectors of services, education and health?
Carmel As world Bank group who think about globalization, solving problems around the world like end poverty. What can you do for the capital humans who are located in underdeveloped countries?
Madugu Abdullahi This very very remarkable question
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Carmel: Thank you for this question. Despite unprecedented human development gains over the past 25 years, serious challenges remain, especially for developing countries. The Human Capital Project is a global effort to accelerate more and better investments in people for greater equity and economic growth. We are scaling up human capital investments in developing countries: www.worldbank.org
nutridoc Health is the foundation of life, yet requires an education on how to choose foods and activities which improve the quality of life and enjoyment there of. What steps is the World Bank planning to included nutrition education to both youth and adults? Support health enhancing crops, food production, and delivery to home and kitchens where it will be stored and prepared well.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @nutridoc: Thank you for this question. Poor diets and resulting malnutrition in all its forms are unacceptably high across the world, creating one of the world’s greatest current societal challenges. The World Bank Group is committed to supporting client countries by building the knowledge base, providing technical assistance for policy/program design and prioritization, and financing the scale up evidence-based nutrition interventions. See more information at: www.worldbank.org
Josephine Davies Onder funding, no funding, the unknown or lack of political wil ect ect . My question to all stakeholders and banks . Why are you not working to make sure Africa and the people have the right to manufacture, produce and trade added value using their natural resources?
Most of the educational infrastructures are not properly designed to meet the institution accommodation demands and to work with the school curriculum form early education to higher education. To enable kids to fulfil their skills and ambitions. In industrialized called developed countries kids start practising and tapping in to their talents in School from early childhood education. Playing toys are all talent minded. Everything work to meet the existing development trend.
While it is the opposite to many area and region. and funding come with lots of bureaucracy . With this reason Africa cannot contribute in to their own countries infrastructure needs , from drinking water supply, energy, Internet connective, construction and also health and well-being.
My question again to all the banks that are working to "Invest in people consistently and also to provide opportunities for all to achieve their potential so that they can yield economic dividends and help bring greater stability in a challenging global context. Nicely defined . How are you ready to make it different this time for the upcoming generation?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Josephine Davies: Thank you for this important question on the importance of consistently investing in people! Governments, civil society, international financial institutions and the private sector must join forces to deploy ambitious, evidence-driven investments to help equip every person to achieve their potential. Ambitious, evidence-driven policy measures in health, education, and social protection can pave the way for today’s children to surpass the human capital achievements and quality of life of the generations that preceded them. Read more on our website: www.worldbank.org
✮ Amu Funmilola How do we empower our women to be more resourceful because the better our women the healthier our society?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Amu Funmilola: This question is very timely as the WBG’s year-long Accelerate Equality initiative explores the important progress made and lessons learned over the last 10 years in closing gender gaps and promoting girls’ and women's empowerment, and drives for transformative change in the future. There are a lot of resources responding to your question on its website: www.worldbank.org
James long maker liupiny Do world bank know that, people south sudan are suffering beyond description in term of health sector?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @James long maker liupiny: Thank you for your question. Since its launch in June 2021, the South Sudan COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Project, financed by the World Bank has been supporting the country to prevent, detect, and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19. This is just one recent example of how the World Bank is helping South Sudan to improve its health sector. www.worldbank.org
Clement Owen Goldson The average Jamaican is unaware of the importance of nutrition and early childhood development in national development. can the IMF/WBG support a programme of national education in these areas?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Clement: Thank you for this question. We have some fantastic evidence from Jamaica that shows how important early childhood development is to future earnings: hdl.handle.net Projects financed by the World Bank have achieved important results in Jamaica in recent years in these areas. For example, an education “passport” has been implemented to track the growth and progress of each Jamaican child in their first few years of life through the Early Childhood Development Project. See more results at: www.worldbank.org
Clement Owen Goldson Please end the discrimination against boys and men by using children and adults when referring to them. Discriminating against boys and men will have a negative outcome. Avoid all discriminatory references in your discourse.
Miriam Schneidman How is the government addressing the socio-cultural barriers to expanding use of modern contraceptive methods?
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Tackling Learning Poverty is a crucial component to building a country’s human capital.
Our next panel of female leaders tackles the issue of the early years and learning poverty from a holistic view.
Carol Ndosi from Tanzania - recognizing that education reforms take a long time, what would be the low hanging fruits and if there are any plans from the Tanzanian government to prepare the human capital both in school and out of school with 21st century skills to keep up with emerging trends and regional and international markets i.e AFCTA
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Carol Ndosi: Thank you for this question. The Government of Tanzania’s decision to remove barriers to access education underscores the country’s commitment to making education better, safer, and more accessible for its next generation, and to advance Tanzania’s social and economic development. There are many initiatives in this area, see for example: www.worldbank.org
Bal Ram Bhui To Madam President: One of the problem of government health service in rural/ village is that they open just a few hours in a day. This deprives the people of service, build negative attitudes among people and viscous cycle of under utilization of government services. How have you ensured that the health service in your country at grassroots level is available 24/7 and people are happily utilizing the services?
George N Are there any policies for investing in diversity & inclusion especially those who have a disability & those who are disadvantaged in life.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @George N: This is a very important question! One billion people, or 15% of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, and disability prevalence is higher for developing countries. Including persons with disabilities and expanding equitable opportunities are at the core of the World Bank’s work to build sustainable, inclusive communities, aligned with the institution’s goals to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. Please see many examples of policies and programs addressing this challenge: www.worldbank.org
Andry R. How does the WBG make sure of the good use of Covid-19 funds by Governments ? How do you ensure accountability and fight misuse or corruption?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Andry R.: Thank you for this important question. The World Bank is taking broad, fast action to help countries strengthen their pandemic response, making available up to $160 billion in financing tailored to the health, economic and social shocks countries are facing. In providing emergency financial assistance, the World Bank remains committed to maintaining strong fiduciary standards for operations. Under COVID-19 financing, the Bank is supporting governments’ efforts to be transparent about procurement and results. See more: www.worldbank.org
Ismaila A. Hassan Trying to get our people-first in the course of our pursuit for a meaningful life depends solely on our WILL to succeed or other wise .
Simmieglobe My name is Dr Simeon Peter Olusola Gbeleyi from Nigeria. I am suggesting support for private sector technical sectors who have solution to the economy issue. For example I belonged to a P.o. Water Technology Company called Way.CZ Group headquartered in Dubai and registered in Nigeria as African Biosphere Way.CZ Unity Ltd in order to cater for entire African Countries. The Tech Company has a big vision of capturing Carbon, recycling it then synthesizing in order to generate clean carbonated water from the Biosphere, at the sane time generating 24/7 Uninterupted Electricity. The company has plan to give out his nano technology to African Rural communities for free against 21 years long term pay back thereby empowering the local communities, creating employment including gender equality and eradicating poverty by making non active economy active. But unfortunately this kind of vision that is supposed to save humanity from Carbon emission lack funding from the World Financial Bodies. I shall appreciate if World Bank can take care of such vision and orher similar visions in order to resolve Human Capital issues practically
Khalidkhattak I am Geoglogist from pakistan, My question is how can we allow the people without restriction of money to go for eductation specially reserach base, because in poor country it is impossible to do research study' while supporting your family.As an example is my self.Should we develop that ways where job and Research goes togather with less amount of money Required from the student.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Khalid: Thank you for this question. Making education opportunities more affordable is an important dimension of our work. A report on “Cost-Effective Approaches to Improve Global Learning: What Does Recent Evidence Tell Us Are “Smart Buys” for Improving Learning in Low and Middle Income Countries?” summarizes some of the evidence in this space: www.worldbank.org
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) VICTORIA is answering your questions in real-time in this chat.
Clement Owen Goldson Internet is not available in many rural areas. We must find other means of delivery for children in these areas. An old technology such as view masters could be mated with current technology to deliver lessons to children in such areas.
Ismaila A. Hassan Approach to human capital development should be holistic and collaborative with all stakeholders hands on the deck.
Pooja Yerramilli The health workforce has been the backbone of the response to Covid-19, safeguarding human capital, and ensuring pandemic preparedness and climate resilience moving forward. Yet there remains a global shortage of at least 10 million health workers worldwide - and around the world, many health workers are leaving their jobs due to burnout and other factors, while many remain unemployed due to shortage of funds to absorb them. What should countries and the international community do to fill this gap that is so essential for reversing losses in human capital?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @ Pooja Yerramilli: Great question! COVID-19 has shown the urgent need for more health workers. While there are no quick fixes, changes are needed to training, deployment, management, evaluation and compensation of health care workers. Medical education should be revamped to focus on collaborative and integrated team-based care, including in PHC. Digital technologies can help with decision support, team work, task shifting and patient participation. Please see more: blogs.worldbank.org
Amiej Human capital is influenced greatly by Equity in Education. The bank support in diversity inclusion and equity. How is the bank looking at DEI post pandemic and it’s impact on Human Capital.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Amiej: This is a very good question. Despite the considerable progress worldwide ensuring all children are enrolled in school, many children with disabilities are still left behind. This is an important area of our work. You can read more about it here: www.worldbank.org
Akinradewo A.M.Orobola Poverty and pandemic covid19, have affected many, and poverty increased in the third world countries, women and girls are affected much and left behind, many wanted to return to school, but the financial opportunity wasn't there, How can WBG help the poor community and those affected,? likewise, how can poor communities access the internet and have equal rights and inclusion in the area of new technology and innovation?
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Join us now for a discussion on health systems and social protection.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank Social protection programs help individuals and families, especially the poor and vulnerable, cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, improve productivity, invest in the health and education of their children, and protect the aging population. As part of our pandemic response, World Bank is scaling up social safety net operations to over $10 billion, reaching more than a billion people. Please see select impact stories at: ida.worldbank.org
Kmaloufbous What more can the World Bank do to support governments to expand and strengthen the public provision of education and healthcare- that is free at the point of use so that all can benefit?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Kmaloufbous: Thank you for this question! The World Bank has quickly ramped up its education support to countries; our efforts are reaching over 400 million students and 16 million teachers. The World Bank supports 87 education-related projects with COVID-19 response investments in 62 countries, totaling $2.5 billion. The World Bank’s $27 billion global health portfolio includes over 200 projects that help countries improve health outcomes and health security, by taking a comprehensive approach. While more support is needed, these are important investments to scale up access to education and healthcare especially for poor and vulnerable people.
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Make sure to take the POLL!
The pandemic has been a major setback to human capital progress. What is the most pressing priority to enable people to achieve their potential? Quality inclusive education, stronger health systems, equitable social protection, women and girls at the heart of solutions, jobs and private sector investment?
The live show host, Rachelle Akuffo, and Sri Sridhar will bring you the results at the end of this event.
Clement Owen Goldson suggestion before was incomplete: Solar Thermal is available globally unlike the other selections and can be stored. It is therefore the most cost effective solution for the global south and the poor. Geothermal extraction has caused earthquakes and should not be used.
siyal,zafar abbas how third world countries invest the human development it’s major budget allocation on defence, return of loans
Aisha Faquir (Moderator) Up next, we look at the importance of building skills and leveraging technology to create jobs and opportunities, especially for youth.
harry It's a plus to see the world recovering quickly from the covid-19. The inclusive involvement of medical practitioners across the world -both developed and developing countries in developing vaccines showed science education is advancing. More collaborations among scientist could improve health systems among nations.
Nwabisa Florence Ndzama Human Capital is a fundamental economic component, as labour is one of key inputs to Production function. However, Covid has showed us that people can simply work from home, working on MS Teams for example , replaces the need for a receptionist. So, how do we find a balance between maximising the benefits of technology, while preserving demand for labor?
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @ Nwabisa Florence Ndzama: This is a very good question. Even prior to the pandemic we have seen that work is constantly being reshaped by technological progress. The World Development Report (WDR) 2019: The Changing Nature of Work studies how the nature of work is changing as a result of advances in technology: www.worldbank.org This process was accelerated by the pandemic, as technology helped in the fight against COVID-19: blogs.worldbank.org
Nwabisa Florence Ndzama Indeed, improving human capital is a multifaceted challenge that requires both Political will and Private sector investment.
Madugu Abdullahi All the questions are excellent we need for more and more investing in private investment
Zeba Rasmussen Please define quality inclusive education, thanks
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Zeba: Thank you for your question. Inclusive education refers to a process of strengthening the capacity of the whole general education system to reach out to all learners. The World Bank has many resources on this topic. See: www.worldbank.org
Mauby What technologies are being used in classrooms since the pandemic? Island kudos!
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Mauby: Great question! The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education in over 150 countries and affected 1.6 billion students. In response, many countries implemented some form of remote learning. Please see a report on Remote Learning During COVID-19 that summarizes Lessons from Today, Principles for Tomorrow: www.worldbank.org
Mauby What about the Caribbean and Latin American education model since Covid-19?
Ron Boenau The traditional method of transferring knowledge and skills Mentoring has been tremendously enhanced as a result of the latest communication technology allowing for video and audio meetings to occur. One of the significant opportunities coming out of COVID is the ability and now, the experience to conduct one-on-one mentoring across borders which promotes international dialogue. How can World Bank help to invest in human capital by encouraging international mentoring.
Victoria Strokova / World Bank @Ron Boenau: Thank you for this interesting question! COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated adoption of digital technologies to enable people to access basic services as well as connect to one another across borders. International mentoring and other types of knowledge sharing are critical to promote opportunities for collaboration. However, technology alone is not always a sufficient solution for improving service delivery: blogs.worldbank.org
Abdalla Omar I am so sorry, for my side I need World Bank and IMF to help small Enterprise to develop in there business because have funding problems, thank you
Ron Boenau In addition to institutional education, what opportunities exist for one-on-one education or mentoring?
harry It's a struggle to turn visions into reality as a young entrepreneur in developing countries like mine. Training the youth without available resources to commence the enterprise rather creates the gap. Therefore, thinking of youth in entrepreneurship shoul