Live Event
    Live Event
      WORLDBANK.ORG

      Listen to leaders from the public and private sectors, economists, policymakers, and activists as they look for solutions to help countries achieve their development goals. 

      Select an event replay to watch now and learn more about our work by visiting the World Bank's dedicated website: worldbank.org/infrastructure. 

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      Past Events

      Transforming Transportation

      Join us to discuss how we can mobilize finance for climate action, attract more investment for sustainable mobility, and harness the full development potential of transport.

      The Sustainable Heating Transition in Europe and Central Asia

      The Europe and Central Asia region is plagued by an inefficient, aging, unaffordable, polluting heating sector that is not compatible with a livable planet. This heating sector stands in the way of these countries achieving their net-zero emissions targets by mid-century and improving the quality of life for their citizens.

      The Future of Water Storage

      Historically, water storage systems have enabled humans to thrive in a range of climatic conditions. But as the climate changes, many water storage systems are becoming—or in some regions have already become—no longer fit for purpose. This event serves as an urgent appeal to practitioners at every level, both public and private, and across sectors, to come together to champion integrated water storage solutions—natural, built, and hybrid—to meet a range of human, economic, and environmental needs for the twenty-first century.

      The State of the Africa Region

      The event will provide an opportunity to review the macro-economic situation in the Africa region, given the recent fluctuations in commodity and food prices, and focus on social protection strategies that can help build resilience in African economies and create jobs, as they recover from multiple shocks in current troubled times. 

      The Digital Revolution

      Watch a global conversation about the digital revolution highlighted innovative ways countries are using digital technologies. From digital financial services, to remote schooling, to more inclusive government services, digital solutions are accelerating more equitable and resilient growth. We heard from public and private sector leaders from around the globe about how safe and effective digital technology has become essential to development in the digital age.

      Climate-Smart Mobility: Where to Invest?

      We cannot win the fight against climate change without taking on the rapidly growing emissions from the transport sector. But even though many of the necessary tools and technologies already exist, market uptake and financing remain low. Building on the ongoing Transport Decarbonization Investment series, this event will bring together a wide range of leaders who will explore concrete solutions for boosting innovation and investment toward low-carbon transport.

      The Infrastructure Revolution: Integration, Investment and Innovation

      Global leaders, activists, and investors gathered Thursday to discuss the power of infrastructure and the critical role it plays in connecting people to opportunity. Through a series of TED-style talks, speakers shared compelling examples of how regional integration, investment and innovation in infrastructure have worked to deliver better outcomes for communities and countries.  Panelists reflected on the examples shared and discussed priorities for bridging the infrastructure gap, including greater accessibility, more and better data, innovative financing vehicles, and expanded partnerships.

      Getting Infrastructure Right: A Call to Action

      The infrastructure service gap is huge: 940 million people live without electricity, 663 million lack improved sources of drinking water, 2.4 billion lack improved sanitation facilities, 1 billion live more than 2 kilometers from an all-season road. Yet, the main impediment to investment is not lack of financing, but of good governance. Analysis shows that substantial benefits can be realized by better governance of public investment throughout its life-cycle—and that the quality of public investment management is linked to growth outcomes.  The Regional Roundtables on Infrastructure Governance  have successfully brought together governments, the private sector, and practitioners to create better approaches to tackle this issue head-on. The program moves to Asia on May 23-24 with an event in Seoul organized by the World Bank, KIND, and Korea Eximbank, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, Global Infrastructure Hub,  KDI School, Open Contracting Partnership, and OECD. Follow the conversation at #infragovernance.

      The Economics of the Belt and Road Initiative

      This panel discussion centers on the economics of the BRI, including the identification of key development opportunities as well as potential risks and mitigation strategies. The Initiative offers a unique opportunity to address the large infrastructure gap in developing countries that hampers trade and economic development. However, successful regional and economic connectivity requires more than infrastructure – it also requires effective trade and investment policies and regulations at the border and in the countries. The panel will discuss the factors needed to maximize the benefits of BRI investments, including complementary policies, debt sustainability, and high quality environmental, social, and fiduciary standards.

      The Disaster that Never Happened - Can Resilient Infrastructure Help Save the World?

      From severe flooding in South Asia, record-breaking hurricanes in the Caribbean and violent earthquakes in Mexico, to heavy rain and landslides in Sierra Leone – recent disasters have left a trail of devastation across the globe. With more infrastructure likely to be built in the next 20 years than the last two millennia, leaders from the private sector and policy makers will gather on the International Day for Disaster Reduction to explore how we can make these investments more resilient. Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Group, will deliver a keynote address. This event is hosted by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery GFDRR), and is part of the ongoing Resilience Dialogue series, which promotes awareness and action for building resilience.

      The Belt & Road Initiative: Building Bonds Across Asia, Europe and Beyond

      During the World Bank IMF Annual Meetings an array of leaders expressed strong support and optimism for the Belt and Road initiative, launched by China’s President Xi Jinping in 2013 and described as the largest infrastructure project in history. The BBC’s Tanya Beckett moderated the discussion which focused on the benefits of the massive, multiyear mission to connect 65 countries across the Eurasian continent through improved infrastructure, lower trade barriers, financial cooperation and improved social cohesion to name some. The benefits of multilateral cooperation through the project was a theme echoed by all panelists. World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said the world needs multilateral approaches like the Belt and Road. He said the initiative has the potential to spur economic growth and urged the need for policy  reforms in order for countries to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the initiative. The Bank Group – including all its institutions – is supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and ...

      The Third Investing in Africa Forum

      The Investing in Africa Forum (IAF) was established in 2015 as a global platform for multilateral cooperation and promoting opportunities to increase investment in Africa. It is intended to be an annual multi-stakeholder gathering, bringing together representatives of the public and private sectors from China and Africa, international and continental institutions, development partners, and think tanks to deepen policy dialogue, share experiences, and discuss business opportunities to promote and support investment and sustainable development in Africa. It was first initiated by China Development Bank (CDB) with the full endorsement of the Chinese Government and won the strong support of the World Bank Group (WBG) and multiple African countries. September 26, 2017: Session III: ICT and Leapfrogging - Building on the Digital Revolution to Tackle African Challenges (9:00 - 10:40 am Dakar time / 5:00 - 6:40 am DC time) Session IV: Building Skills for the Present and the Future African Workforce - Rethinking Skill Acquisition and Education Service Delivery ( 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Dakar time / 7:00 - 8:30 am DC time) ...

      Infrastructure: Latin America and the Caribbean’s New Growth Engine

      With the lower commodity prices and uncertain global scenario, Latin America and the Caribbean is looking for alternatives to boost economic growth to continue on its path of reducing poverty and inequality. There is increasing consensus in the region that closing the infrastructure gap will be essential to set the stage for economic recovery. This event will discuss challenges such as the financing, planning, implementation and regional coordination of effective infrastructure programs, and strengthen the momentum for reform in the area.

      Toward a More Integrated East Asia: Economic Corridors & Infrastructure Connectivity

      With the growth of much of the East Asia Pacific (EAP) region having been built on the expansion of exports and foreign direct investment, improving connectivity—intra-regionally as well as globally--is now recognized as the next step in sustaining inclusive growth for the region.  As a result, investment programs and trade initiatives are being put forward, including the Belt & Road, the Silk Road Fund, the TPP trade agreement, and a number of sub-regional connectivity initiatives—including the ASEAN Economic Community’s Connectivity Plan and the Mekong Economic Corridor--are being implemented.  Hear directly from governments in EAP as well as other financiers of trade and economic corridor programs on how plans for regional integration and World Bank initiatives can help improve the quality of cross-border investment planning and economic corridor management.

      Making Infrastructure Rewarding

      The need for sustainable and resilient infrastructure is enormous. Some 1.2 billion people in the world don't have access to electricity; At least 663 million people lack access to safe drinking water. About one billion people in low-income countries lack access to an all-weather road – cutting them off from basic health, education, trade, and employment opportunities: more than 4 billion people (60% of the global population, most in developing countries) do not have access to the internet – this is a significant opportunity gap for those without it. Much work is needed to make projects "investor ready" and to develop innovative frameworks to leverage private investment in order to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed to close the infrastructure gap. This event is hosted by the Global Infrastructure Facility, a partnership among governments, multilateral development banks, private sector investors and financiers designed to provide a new way to collaborate on preparing, structuring and implementing complex projects. The seminar will feature high-level panelists who will provide ...

      Global Infrastructure Forum 2016

      Bridging the infrastructure gap is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. At the Financing for Development conference in Addis Ababa, 193 nations agreed to establish a forum on infrastructure to build and enhance multilateral collaborative mechanisms. The goal is to better align coordination among the full suite of infrastructure actors, including the private sector. This forum will allow for a greater range of voices as we bridge infrastructure and capacity gaps, particularly in challenging environments. Furthermore, it will highlight opportunities for investment and cooperation that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. The Global Infrastructure Forum 2016 is jointly organized by key development partners in infrastructure and the multilateral development banks (MDBs). Related Links: A global conversation about collaborating for better infrastructure delivery It’s time to change the way we talk about the “Infrastructure Gap” 3 lessons on collaboration from the Global Infrastructure Facility World Bank Group PPP Topic Site PPP Knowledge Lab The Private Participation in Infrastructure Database The Public Private ...