Hello everyone, and welcome to our event “MORE JOBS THROUGH INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL”. We'll start in a few minutes. Please stay tuned and submit your comments and questions using the live chat.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Human capital is key to job creation. Investments in human capital equip people with good health, education, and skills and enable them to create jobs. This is the theme of this public event that follows the closed-door Human Capital Ministerial Conclave, where Ministers of Finance meet to discuss progress on human capital in their countries.
You can join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #WBMeetings and #InvestinPeople. This event will also be livestreamed on our World Bank X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. We remind you that interpretation will be provided in Arabic, French, and Spanish.
While we wait for the event to begin, learn more about Human Capital:
www.worldbank.org/humancapital
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Welcome everyone! I’m Erick Rabemananoro, and I will be moderating the online discussion today. I'll be providing updates and highlights from the event, and sharing resources on the topic at hand.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
I’m joined by our expert live bloggers who will answer questions during the event. Our expert bloggers are Wendy Cunningham, Lead Economist, Human Capital Project, and Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer, Lead Economist, Jobs Group. They are assisted by Daisy Demirag, Economist at the Human Capital Project.
If you'd like to watch the event and participate in the chat using a different language such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, please use the language menu located in the top right corner of the page.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Today’s event is being moderated by Rachelle Akuffo, Anchor, Yahoo Finance. There will be two rounds of moderated questions, followed by one or two audience questions. Listed on this page you can see the speakers participating in today’s discussion.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Greetings to all
HASSAN ALHATTAB
Hassan, thank you for joining the session. We hope you will enjoy and learn something new.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Before starting, let’s watch a stage-setter video highlighting around the concept of 1 billon - noting that people empowered with human capital are the solution to take on and create jobs.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
The planet will be home to one billion more working-age people by 2040. From 5.1 billion people today to 6.1 billion people.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Our event moderator, Rachelle Akuffo, kicks off the panel discussion by inviting Mamta Murthi, Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, to provide reflections from the closed-door Human Capital Conclave.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
In addition to Mamta Murthi, panelists include Axel van Trotsenburg, the World Bank’s Senior Managing Director, responsible for Development Policy and Partnerships, Basima Abdulrahman, CEO & Founder, Kesk (Iraq), and Amal Hassan, Founder and CEO of Outsource Global in Nigeria.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
The World Bank gives enormous support to governments in most developing countries. What’s the bank doing to ensure that some of amount is used to support the underprivileged for purposes of educating them with employable skill that assist them to be self-reliant and reduce the huge number of unemployment ?
Ebenezer Yeboah Tuffour
We agree that learning job-relevant skills is critical to live a better life. More than 100 countries are working with the World Bank to improve the quality of education and training programs. We also support on the job learning through financing apprenticeships, job intermediation, vouchers for workplace experience, and other interventions to link learners to jobs. We are increasingly brokering partnerships between the education system and private sector employers. Please visit our Education Sector's website: www.worldbank.org/... and new work on skills development
www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
I am wondering what the WB's thoughts are re. the linking of human capital improvement with economic diversification. I believe that we need to upscale developing countries' economic activities and thereby create new employment opportunities in order to absorb all those workers who gain new skills. I would be interested to hear your views. Thank you!
Anna Wolkenhauer
Ensuring skills development, not only through formal schooling but also as prime-age adults will be imperative to ensuring the workforce remains competitive to adapt to a changing world. Reskilling and upskilling through adult-learning and on-the-job training can equip today's workforce for the transitions to greener jobs and jobs that can adapt to technology. Ensuring that youth have the foundational skills can help foster problem-solving skills to innovate and adapt to changing jobs in the future. The World Bank works with Government and the private sector to help the current and future workforce acquire the skills they need to not only adapt, but to be at the forefront of innovation and job growth.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Can you give or offer loan to individual and so as one can educate his children,and for the extremely poor start a business, without checking Bank account balance.Because a poor person cannot save!
Beatrice Odek
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. We are not a bank in the ordinary sense but a unique partnership to reduce poverty and support development. To learn more about how the World Bank works, you can watch this short video: twitter.com/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
In my country Botswana we have NGOs that teach young people about on how to be employable, but the job demands are way higher than the supply. Is the solution as simple as turning the unemployed into entrepreneurs or there is a system/policy problem that needs to be changed within the leadership of the nation?
Karabo Kopelo
The jobs shortage is a challenge in developing countries across the world. While supporting entrepreneurship is one strategy, it must be accompanied by policies and investments to create the conditions for large firms to start-up and hire workers, foreign firms can invest in developing country economies, and firms can be more productive, innovate, export, and create jobs and wealth.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
For a country like Uganda, with almost 70% unemployed, currently most of these youths have resorted into moving to Asian countries in search for jobs, how can these youths be helped in a Ugandan economy with no job opportunities by the world bank programs in the upholding youth programs
BONGOLE RAMATHAN
Jobs are the beginning strategy to tackle poverty. A strong foundational education and job-relevant skills are a necessary first step. Job search services connect job-seekers to jobs that match their talents. In economies with few jobs, programs across the world support youth through a combination of cash grants, training, and mentorship to begin their own enterprises and raise earning. Please visit our website: www.peiglobal.org/ and www.s4ye.org/
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What incentives can be employed by governments in Africa to attract the best in the teaching profession as a way of delivering quality education with its attendant positive outcomes? Without quality teachers, we can not talk of quality human resource.
Elvis Simon Wamuziri
We agree that quality teachers are the key to overcoming learning poverty and preparing today's children and youth to be tomorrow's workers. The World Bank's education team works with country governments to support teacher professional development, design incentive mechanisms and improve managerial practices in the education sector. Please see the link for strategies to support teachers: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What could be done to help youths unemployment rate in sub-sharan africa
Haruna Sinyang
Youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa is challenge. A strong foundational education and job-relevant skills are a necessary first step. Job search services can be enhanced through partnerships with the private sector to connect job-seekers to jobs that match their talents. In economies with few jobs, programs across the world support youth through a combination of cash grants, training, and mentorship to begin their own enterprises and raise earning. Please visit our website: www.peiglobal.org/ and www.s4ye.org/
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Hello ...my name is Liza from kenya. My question is on the issue if empowering women. In this present days women have proved to be very hard working and take up a lot of family responsibilities. How can they be helped as entrepreneurs due ro lack of capital as well as knowledge as well as skill?. Where is the guideline.?
Liza kim
Gender empowerment plays a critical role in economic growth in many countries. Govenrment programs can help to remove barriers to women's meaningful engagement in the labor fore. The World Bank is working with client governments to support programs to change social norms of decision-makers, which has resulted in a sharing of domestic work and caregiving responsibilities across the household. Other programs aim to support women build enterprises through access to finance, skills training, networking and mentorship. Please see the World Bank's website on Gender for more information on how the World Bank is supporting governments to improve gender empowerment : www.worldbank.org/... and www.ifc.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
How is the world intervening on Grant for medium and small scale businesses to help cushion the effect of unemployment
Onome Favour
The World Bank works with governments to support good policies and regulations that facilitate SMEs to operate and grow. In many countries, SMEs are the main drivers of job creation. Entrepreneurs - including micro-entrepreneurs - play an important role in innovating and delivering local solutions. Encouraging entrepreneurship requires a multi-dimensional approach, and may include training programs (business, financial or soft skills), mentorship, innovation hubs, accelerator programs, and networks, designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs at different stages, from start-ups to established SMEs.
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Thank you for joining our event. Remember you can send your questions through the live chat on this page. You can submit your questions in English, French, Spanish or Arabic. Our experts will answer your questions in real-time in this chat.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Structural disparities in access to health care still persist in sub Saharan Africa what is the world bank's role in the spring?
Abdulbashir Sheriff
Healthcare is a crucial aspect of human capital development. Not only does it protect existing human capital from being eroded but economic growth requires a healthy and productive workforce. We are working with governments across regions to increase access to quality healthcare and develop systems that are resilient to shocks or disruptions. We are also working with governments to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to health insurance across a number of countries. Please see our website on our work on universal health coverage for more information: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
How can the eligible youths who are Keen to better their lives get trained and possibly lay hands on kits to Kick-start a new life.
Eze Chinenye Lydia
We agree that learning job-relevant skills is critical to live a better life. More than 100 countries are working with the World Bank to improve the quality of education and training programs. We also support on the job learning through financing apprenticeships and vouchers for workplace experience. Please visit our Education Sector's website: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
With strong human capital - knowledge, skills, and good health - people can increase their productivity & income 3x.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
What has not been done? and what can be done now to achieve desired results in human capital development? Why did formal approaches fail and have those failure factors been addressed? How will it not affect the approaches of today?
Nzubechukwu Martin Okpoko. GCPM
Governments try many strategies to promote human capital development, and not all are as effective as hoped, due to implementation challenges or design challenges, inter alia. A major focus of the World Bank is to assess existing policies and programs to what is not working effectively and why. We do this in every country where we work, and we also take a global perspective. This is the foundation of our engagement with governments. We also scrutinize the impact of previous World Bank projects, in order draw lessons and improve the design of future projects. Please see the work of the World Bank's Development Impact group: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Is the first investment needed not to eliminate learning poverty at the basic education level, as well as malnutrition that stunts intellectual development?
- Jean-François Tardif
Yes, in fact early childhood interventions (age 0 to 4) are proving to be extremely impactful to future learning and human capital outcomes. Learn more at: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Do we scrutinize the effectiveness of the current development policies and incentives that are on the ground in order to improve on challenges and bringing initiatives that help to improve such cases
Kondwani Chinyama
Yes. In fact, diagnostics are a major focus of the World Bank, including assessing existing policies and identifying the constraints that limit policy effectiveness. We do this in every country where we work, and we also take a global perspective. This is the foundation of our engagement with governments. We also scrutinize the impact of own projects, in order draw lessons and improve the design of future projects. Please see the work of the World Bank's Development Impact group: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Good morning, my question is that,how are you going to help countries which are facing a situation of so many school dropouts of girls and boys,due to so many reasons like pregnancy or cultural reasons? This is so common in Africa. Don't you think its high time that some students from disadvantaged families get assisted financially, and with transport. I think this can motivate them a bit,as most of them lack those, which in most cases hinder their success. This questions are inline with what you are going to disscuss.
ONE EMELDAH LEPODISI
Thank you for your question. We agree that youth face many barriers to jobs. There World Bank is working with several countries to provide support to particuarly disadvantage youth. For example, projects in Kenya, Uganda, Benin and Ghana provide financial resources, skills training, and business skills to youth. Please visit our website to learn more. www.worldbank.org/.... We have special programs, such as SWEDD in the Sahel, to help women who might be pregnant or face cultural barrier, to balance work and home responsibilities. SWEDD: projects.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
How can governments in Africa deal with the issue of Early Childhood Education (ECE) as one way of improving on the quality of inputs in the education system?
Elvis Simon Wamuziri
Thank you for your question. Investing in the early years is one of the best investments that a country can make to help people develop their skills to be successful workers, parents, and community members. Quality ECE can be delivered in different ways in different contexts. Please see the World Bank's early childhood development webpage for some examples of effective ECE programs across the world: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
There are many school drop out youths who are having nor continie with studies. Is there any grants or funds to give them independent living skills training with granted employment?
Sonam Deki
The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. We are not a bank in the ordinary sense but a unique partnership to reduce poverty and support development. To learn more about how the World Bank works, you can watch this short video: twitter.com/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Entrepreneurship to be achieved it needs financial as well as human capital, as world bank what are your strategies to support this entrepreneurship?
willard kuthindi
Thank you for your question. The World Bank is engaging with countries through multi-dimensional approaches to help build human capital and unlock the potential of aspiring entrepreneurs. This includes early investments in childhood on foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy skills . Later investments in youth and prime-aged adults to keep pace with changing markets and technology. This might be through short-term courses in managment, enterpreneurial skills, financial management, digital technology, and socio-behavioral skills to help aspiring entrepreneurs build their business. Mentorship, networking, and innovation hubs also support current entrepreneurs to further build their businesses.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What role does education and skills development play in the context of this project, and how are they linked to job opportunities and economic growth?
Saba Naz
We agree that education and skills are crucial inputs to good jobs. Skills development programs supported by the World Bank increasingly include job-search, apprenticeship, job intermediation, and other interventions to link learners to jobs. We are increasingly brokering partnerships between the education system and private sector employers. This is a new agenda, that is growing quickly in collaboration with partners (www.worldbank.org/...)
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
When you talk of investing in human Capital and I relate it to entrepreneurship here in developing countries, it seems to be a dream. You can be equipped with relevant knowledge but systems that could have boosted the spirit are down, how do you overcome it? Thank you
MUHWEZI JONATH
We agree that entrepreneurship is more than a dream or knowledge. Thus, the World Bank works with government to build out enterpreneurship programs to strengthen self-esteem, problem-solving, and other socio-emotional skills. Mentoring and coaching programs allow experienced enterpreneurs to help the new ones. Governments are working to simplify legislation to make it easier to start a small business.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
How does the World Bank collaborate with governments and other stakeholders to design and implement strategies for investing in human capital?
Saba Naz
The World Bank works with Ministers of Finance alongside Ministers of Education, Health, Labor, Social Protection and several others to implement strategies for investing in human capital. However, developing human capital requires a “Whole-of-Society” approach. This means that it requires a coordinated approach across ministries, non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector to help invest, build and use human capital effectively for shared prosperity. For further information, please see our website: The Human Capital Project www.worldbank.org/en/publication/human-capital
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Can you highlight any innovative approaches or best practices that have emerged from this project in the field of job creation and human capital development?
Saba Naz
The World Bank is proud of our partnerships that provide wrap-around services to help the most vulnerable job-seekers create their own enterprises. Through a combination of grants, skills development, coaching, market research, and the sheer will of our clients, nearly 5 million people - many of who are women - have launched their own micro-enterprises and improved their own lives and those of their families. Please see our link: www.peiglobal.org/
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Can you share insights into the World Bank's role in advancing women's leadership, empowerment and decision making in political and economic spheres
Elizabeth Mboya
Gender empowerment plays a critical role in economic growth in many countries. Please see the World Bank's website on Gender for more information on how the World Bank is supporting governments to improve gender empowerment : www.worldbank.org/... and www.ifc.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What is the World's Bank strategy for promoting education and healthcare access in low-income countries
Elizabeth Mboya
Education and healthcare are crucial aspects of human capital development. More than 100 countries are working with the World Bank to improve the quality of education and training programs. Please visit our Education Sector's website: www.worldbank.org/... Access to healthcare not only protects existing human capital from being eroded, but economic growth requires a healthy and productive workforce. We are working with governements across regions to increase access to quailty healthcare and develop systems that are resilient to shocks or disruptions. We are also working with governments to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to health insurance across a number of countries. Please see our website on our work on universal health coverage for more information: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
What are the proper strategies a youth can undertake inorder to tackle poverty which has been a severe problem in developing countries
Angelina Kabonaki
Jobs are part of a strategy to tackle poverty. A strong foundational education and job-relevant skills are a necessary first step. Job search services connect job-seekers to jobs that match their talents. In economies with few jobs, programs across the world support youth through a combination of cash grants, training, and mentorship to begin their own enterprises and raise earning. Please visit our website: www.peiglobal.org/
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Education, Job Training and Skills are key to future workers. What are arrangements for Emerging jobs especially in Greening the planet and Climate change?
Mr. Mohamed Omar Msekeni
The World Bank is committed to helping our clients to transition to a livable planet. Our last Human Capital talk explored this issue, pointing out that climate change will affect human capital development while a population with strong human capital can slow-down climate change. Please visit our website: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What international collaborations and partnerships are needed to support developing countries in their efforts to invest in human capital and create a more prosperou future for their citizens?
Anonymous
Thank you for your question. Partnerships between the international development community, the private sector and country governments are driving human capital investments and better job creation. For example, Africa’s Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), is a regional platform that builds and shares knowledge across 15 African research institutes and academia, as well as the business community. Its support to highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators is creating transformative technologies and new businesses in Africa.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Gender equality is essential for inclusive human capital development. How can we promote gender equality in the workforce, particularly in regions with traditional gender disparities?
Anonymous
Thank you for your question. Gender inequality contributes significantly to the productivity gap, constraining economic growth in many countries, as women are left behind in education and participating in the labor force. Removing barriers to women's meaningful engagement in the labor force requires programs to change social norms of decision-makers, for greater sharing of domestic work and caregiving responsibilities across the household. Programs can ensure safe transport to work places, flexible working arrangements and hours, and specific skills training to women to boost confidence and agency. Supporting fair legislation and enforcement of women’s legal rights, such as non-discriminatory recruitment practices, access to property and the right to work in a safe environment makes work hospitable to women. Equal access to inputs - such as land, access to finance, and education - levels the playing field so that women can maximize their productivity and earnings.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
With the rapid advancement of technology, how can developing countries ensure that their workforce remains competitive in the global economy?
Anonymous
"Developing countries can take several measures to ensure that their workforce remains competitive:
1. Invest in basic education as these fundamental skills are the base for managing technology . Promote STEM education, digital literacy, and vocational training programs that align with the demands of emerging industries, especially for women, who are often left behind.
2. Foster innovation and entrepreneurship to create new industries and job opportunities. This includes financing and one-stop shops to faciliate startups, establish incubation centers, and facilitate access to financing and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs.
3. Enhance digital infrastructure so it is widely accessible and affordable via broadband internet and mobile connectivity andexpanding and improving digital infrastructure.
4. Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for driving technological advancements and creating job opportunities. Governments can establish partnerships with technology companies and industry associations to foster innovation, provide training programs, and support the development of digital ecosystems.
5. Support Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Developing countries should promote a culture of lifelong learning by providing opportunities for reskilling and upskilling programs, both in formal education settings and through online platforms.
6. Address the Digital Divide: Bridging the digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to technology and opportunities. Developing countries should implement policies and initiatives to increase digital inclusion, such as providing affordable devices, improving internet connectivity in rural areas, and promoting digital literacy programs for marginalized communities.
7. Strengthen Social Protection Systems: As technology disrupts traditional job markets, developing countries should strengthen their social protection systems to provide a safety net for workers. This can include unemployment benefits, income support programs, and retraining assistance to help workers transition to new industries and occupations.
8. Foster International Collaboration: Developing countries can benefit from international collaboration and knowledge sharing. Engaging in partnerships with other countries, international organizations, and global initiatives can provide access to expertise, resources, and best practices in technology adoption and workforce development.
By implementing these strategies, developing countries can position their workforce to adapt to technological advancements, seize new opportunities, and remain competitive in the global economy. It requires a comprehensive approach that combines investments in education, infrastructure, innovation, and social protection to create an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable growth."
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What strategies can be implemented to encourage entrepreneurship and foster a culture of innovation in these regions, ultimately leading to more job opportunities?
Anonymous
Job creation is challenging. Governments across the world are developing new strategies to stimulate job creation. For the most disadvantaged groups, so-called economic inclusion programs provide a package of support that includes training, mentorship, small grants, and access to markets (www.peiglobal.org/). Programs to support entrepreneurial development for small and medium firms often include large grants, business mentoring, and on-the-job learning. Ministries of Finance and Planning are adapting legislation to encourage competition, foreign investment, and a healthy business environment.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Access to healthcare is a crucial aspect of human capital development. What policies and practices have proven effective in enhancing healthcare accessibility in developing nations?
Anonymous
We agree that healthcare is a crucial aspect of human capital development. Not only does it protect existing human capital from being eroded but economic growth requires a healthy and productive workforce. We are working with governements across regions to increase access to quailty healthcare and develop systems that are resilient to shocks or disruptions. We are also working with governments to ensure that vulnerable groups have access to health insurance across a number of countries. Please see our website on our work on universal health coverage for more information: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Could you share examples of successful initiatives that have effectively improved the quality of jobs in developing countries? What lessons can we learn from these examples?
Anonymous
The World Bank is proud of our partnerships that provide wrap-around services to help the most vulnerable job-seekers create their own enterprises. Through a combination of grants, skills development, coaching, market research, and the sheer will of our clients, nearly 5 million people - many of who are women - have launched their own micro-enterprises and improved their own lives and those of their families. Please see our link: www.peiglobal.org/
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
What role can education and skills development play in equipping the workforce for the jobs of today and the future, especially in the context of technological transformation and climate change?
Anonymous
Reskilling and upskilling through adult-learning and on-the-job training can equip today's workforce for the transitions to greener jobs and jobs that can adapt to technology. Ensuring that youth have the foundational skills can help foster problem-solving skills to innovate and adapt to changing jobs in the future. The World Bank works with Government and the private sector to help the current and future workforce acquire the skills they need to not only adapt, but to be at the forefront of innovation and job growth.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
How can countries balance the goal of creating more jobs with the imperative to ensure these jobs provide financial and job security for workers?
Anonymous
This is a challenging trade-off that policymakers need to consider when setting labor and other policies. The risk of setting labor rules that are very strict (e.g., a too-high minimum wage or other tight regulations) may reduce the number of jobs created by firms, or may push firms to operate informally, which results in fewer jobs and no job security or social protection for those working informally. One way to reduce this trade-off is through providing universal access to social protection, financed by general tax revenue rather than by a tax on labor. This would provide a degree of security to all workers and reduce the incentive for firms to operate informally.
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
In light of the need to generate millions of jobs in developing countries, what are some innovative strategies that governments and organizations can adopt to stimulate job creation?
Anonymous
Job creation is challenging. Governments across the world are developing new strategies to stimulate job creation. For the most disadvantaged groups, so-called economic inclusion programs provide a package of support that includes training, mentorship, small grants, and access to markets (www.peiglobal.org/). Programs to support entrepreneurial development for small and medium firms often include large grants, business mentoring, and on-the-job learning. Ministries of Finance and Planning are adapting legislation to encourage competition, foreign investment, and a healthy business environment.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What is the best education system for developing human capital in developing countries especially in Africa in order to alleviate lack of employment and poverty increasing tremendously?
Salimu Omari King'oso
Developing countries can take several measures to ensure that their workforce remains competitive: Invest in basic education as these fundamental skills are the base for managing technology. Promote STEM education, digital literacy, and vocational training programs and softskills that encourage problem solving and innovation, curricula that align with the demands of emerging industries. Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Developing countries should promote a culture of lifelong learning by providing opportunities for reskilling and upskilling programs, both in formal education settings and through online platforms. By implementing these strategies, developing countries can position their workforce to adapt to technological advancements, seize new opportunities, and remain competitive in the global economy. It requires a comprehensive approach that combines investments in education, infrastructure, innovation, and social protection to create an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable growth. Learn more at: blogs.worldbank.org/education
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
What can the best way of empowering the youth in rural and remote areas?
Mackson Munsaka
Job creation is challenging, especially in rural areas. Some government programs focus on rural and/or disadvantaged groups , so-called economic inclusion programs provide a package of support that includes training, mentorship, small grants, and access to markets (www.peiglobal.org/). Other programs to support entrepreneurs and start-ups, some focused on youth, often include digital skills training through instructional videos or simple-to-use applications, financial management training, and connecting to mentors and networking opportunities.
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
How can we create jobs to meet the demands of the youth and yet remain climate resilience and AI innovative?
Dickson Onen Ocoko
Ensuring skills development, not only through formal schooling but also for out of school youth will be imperative to ensuring the workforce remains competitive to adapt to a changing world. Youth continue to need foundational reading and writing skills as well as technical skills. but they will also need skills to innovate, adapt, and learn as climate change and AI innovations shape labor markets. They need digital skills to utilize technologies in their jobs and firms. And they will use entrepreneurial skills to innovate and creat new firms and jobs as markets change. This broad range of skill development needs to begin in formal schooling, but continue into the worklife through adult-learning and on-the-job training.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
How does the World Bank support small and medium size business that are being affected by intense economic meltdown in Africa
Mohammed Kofi Boah Ussif
The World Bank works with governments to support good policies and regulations that faciliate SMEs to operate and grow and be resilient to shocks. In many countries, SMEs are the main drivers of job creation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and SMEs requires a multi-dimensional approach, and may include training programs (business, financial or soft skills), mentorship, innovation hubs, accelerator programs, networks, and targeted financial services including insurance instruments and access to credit. See www.ifc.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
With advanced technologies don't we see human resources capital being compromised as this may call for more human resources capital being reduced, such that more people are likely to lose their jobs , since technologies should have taken over with few individuals to take control?
Job Chatseka
Human resources can be a complement to, rather than replaced by, technologies. But this is only the case if people have the necessary human capital. This requires (i) a strong foundational education so that workers can read, do math, and manage technologies, (ii) digital literacy so that people can use technology for their own benefit, such as mobile money or AI apps, and (iii) innovation and entrepreneurship to both create new ways of leveraging capital to develop new jobs and to create new technologies to enhance human capabilities. That said, there may be a transition period where technology may replace humans, calling for social assistance to support people who adapt to a human capital rich, technology enhanced future.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What are the major hindrances to universal basic income? I ask this because there are dimensions of poverty and unemployment that gets locked in and can't make the statistics.
Joseph Egwabor
Providing universal basic income is challenging not only in developing countries, but also developed countries. Governments have limited fiscal space in the face of a multiple spending priorities and development challenges. Universal basic income is costly, and requires countries to generate enough tax revenue to provide for their entire population. This is difficult in countries with a narrow tax base, either because a large segment of their population is out of the workforce, or much of the labor force works informally. We agree that providing social protection in the form of health insurance, unemployment benefits or safety nets such as cash transfers, can be an important instruments to protect vulnerable groups from shocks and reduce the risk of uncertainty, allowing people to invest and use their human capital in more productive ways such as enterpreneurship or skills training. Please see the following websites for more information: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
As a student pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management, I'm interested in understanding the essential skills and competencies that individuals must cultivate to maintain a competitive edge in the job market during a period marked by heightened investments in human capital.
-Kawtar Boudalal
In-Person Audience
While fundamental skills acquired in primary and secondary skills - reading, writing maths - are still critical for success in the labor market, jobs increasingly require mastery of other skills: digital skills, social skills, self-efficacy, innovation and entrepreneurial skills, and the ability to learn as new technologies and ideas shape future jobs.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Less than a quarter of entrepreneurs today are women. Let's get to equal.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Well said. Amal Hassan
Nzubechukwu Martin Okpoko. GCPM
In a world of growing uncertainty in climate what are the measures to be taken with keen interest that will at the end of execution lead to the benefit of man and the environment as a whole? Let’s say a win win approach to human and environmental development
Samba Louis
The World Bank is committed to helping countries transition to more sustainable economies on a livable planet. The World Bank prepares Climate Change and Development Reports for each country, assessing climate impacts and identifying priority climate actions. And our last Human Capital talk explored the impact of climate change on human capital development, arguing that a population with strong human capital can slow-down climate change. Please visit our website: www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Interested in learning more firsthand from our experts about our work on jobs? Visit: www.worldbank.org/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
What can be done to bridge the gap between the market needs and what being offered in training institutions
Thomas Yebei
We agree that learning job-relevant skills is critical to live a better life. Partnerships between education and training programs and employers can bridge that gap. This is being done through publicly financed apprenticeships, job intermediation to better match job-seekers to the jobs that align with their talents, vouchers for workplace learning, and other interventions to link learners to jobs. The World Bank is working with client governments to broker partnerships between the education system and private sector employers. Please visit our Education Sector's website: www.worldbank.org/... and the International Finance Corporation's education website: www.ifc.org/...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
We need to invest in vocational training so that can provide a pipeline of skilled force on practical skills that encourages entrepreneurship
Malusi Vatsha
Are there avenues created for grant support systems to cushion young entrepreneurs and start-ups to improve and upscale their businesses
Samba Louis
The World Bank is working with governments in several countries to offer programs to promote youth entrepreneurship, including some targeting disadvantaged youth. For example, projects in Kenya, Uganda, Benin and Ghana provide financial resources, skills training, and business skills to youth. And you may be interested to learn about solutions for Youth Employment with S4YE, a global program that brings together donors, governments, foundations, private sector companies, NGOs and youth to support catalytic programs to increase the number of young people engaged in productive work: www.s4ye.org/ Other sites where you can learn more: www.worldbank.org/... www.peiglobal.org/
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
Remember you can send your questions through the live chat on this page. You can submit your questions in English, French, Spanish or Arabic. Our experts will answer your questions in real-time in this chat.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Learn more about solutions for Youth Employment with S4YE. This is a global program that brings together donors, governments, foundations, private sector companies, NGOs and youth to support catalytic programs to increase the number of young people engaged in productive work: www.s4ye.org/
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
It is known that vocational education and education in applied sciences cost a lot of money, which makes developing countries refrain from it and replace it with academic education. Therefore, the question is about the ability of international financial institutions to provide sufficient support and funding for this, and is it possible to create support platforms that can deal with local communities directly?
Ahmed Alamin Gassouma
Technical skills and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are needed in all jobs and will be increasingly valued as jobs adopt new technologies. In addition to supporting leaning through formal TVET programs, other learning models are being developed. For example, partnerships between education and training programs and employers can provide on the job training in new technologies. This is being done through publicly financed apprenticeships, job intermediation to better match job-seekers to the jobs that align with their talents, vouchers for workplace learning, and other interventions to link learners to jobs. The World Bank is working with client governments to broker partnerships between the education system and private sector employers. Please visit our Education Sector's website: www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education and and the International Finance Corporation's education website www.ifc.org...
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
What are the key challenges and opportunities in addressing the employment needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa and South Asia ?
Alper İhtiyar
Addressing unemployment and inadequate job creation requires a multi-faceted approach. Governments can play a crucial role in implementing policies and strategies to promote job creation by both small and large firms, and by entrepreneurs. This includes investing in infrastructure, fostering an enabling business environment, promoting entrepreneurship training and finance, improving education and skills training programs, and implementing labor market reforms. Specific causes and solutions for unemployment may vary across countries and regions, and a comprehensive understanding of the local context is necessary to develop effective strategies. International organizations like the World Bank can support countries in addressing unemployment by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and policy advice. They can also facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices in policy design to promote employment creation. You can learn more about jobs challenges and diagnostics at www.worldbank.org/... And for information on Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE), please visit www.s4ye.org/
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
The Human Capital Project (HCP) is a global effort to accelerate more and better investments in people for greater equity and economic growth. Learn more here:
www.worldbank.org/humancapital
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
How can the private sector, public sector, and non-profit organizations work together to maximize the impact of human capital investments on job creation?
-ALMOUTAQI
Thank you for your question. Partnerships between the international development community, the private sector and country governments are driving human capital investments and better job creation. For example, Africa’s Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET), is a regional platform that builds and shares knowledge across 15 African research institutes and academia, as well as the business community. Its support to highly skilled scientists, professionals and innovators is creating transformative technologies and new businesses in Africa.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Mamta Murthi concludes by providing views on how to take this momentum forward to deliver more jobs by investing in people.
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
How can I participate in World Bank meetings and benefit from their programs?
Edilson Yano
We encourage you to follow this website to learn about upcoming and past meetings available online. You can also subscribe to receive updates about upcoming events live.worldbank.org/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
For young people and human resources in general, what is expected in terms of awareness of the need for continuous development of their skills and qualifications? How can we engage them?
- Fatima-Zahra AZIZ
Ensuring skills development, not only through formal schooling but also as prime-age adults will be imperative to ensuring the workforce remains competitive to adapt to a changing world. Ensuring that youth have the foundational skills can help foster problem-solving skills to innovate and adapt to changing jobs in the future. Reskilling and upskilling through adult-learning and on-the-job training can equip today's workforce for the transitions to greener jobs and jobs that can adapt to technology. Incentivizing the private sector - through financing or tax policies - to upskill their work force brings new learning to the working population.
Expert: Wendy Cunningham
Why world bank does not invest into the private companies?
Evariste
Feel free to explore the International Finance Corporation (IFC) website to learn about how we work with the private sector in developing countries to create opportunities for all. www.ifc.org/en/home
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Now, more than ever as we see war snd the impacts on Human health respecting the human capital of our world, how will the World Bank support lives of those disabled or their families in the realm of Jobs in order that all people can be included in our global economy?
Laura L Dawson
Thank you for drawing attention to this challenge. The World Bank works with governments to strengthen their social protection systems to reach needy populations including those with disabilities or who otherwise struggle to access work. Some social protection measures include job training and support for finding work. Another target is for governments to provide universal health care. The World Bank is aiming to ensure that 75% of its social protection projects are disability-inclusive by 2025. Some websites where you can find more information: www.worldbank.org/..., www.worldbank.org/... www.worldbank.org/...
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer
How can we help less privileged woman and girls in sub Sahara Africa
Julius Ben During
You may be interested to visit the following links that are valuable resources on that topic:
- The Gender website projects.worldbank.org/...
- The Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographics Project www.worldbank.org/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Since when has the World Bank been investing in poverty reduction in Africa? What is the result obtained? Has poverty fallen or increased? Why? in both cases.
Kiebo Mwanza Floribert
The World Bank Group is committed to delivering results for developing countries and improving life for the poorest and most vulnerable. To access more in-depth information, visit the website www.worldbank.org/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
What are some of the incentives for youths empowerment and education
Nyenpu Johnson
You can learn more on that topic by visiting this website. Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE) is a global program that brings together donors, governments, foundations, private sector companies, NGOs and youth to support catalytic programs to increase the number of young people engaged in productive work: www.s4ye.org/
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Illiteracy rate has been a major problem in some of Africa,how can you help to reduce the level of illiteracy rate?
John Bendu
Today, in low-and middle-income countries 53 percent of children in late primary cannot read and understand a simple story. By 2030, we want to reduce, by at least half, the share of children who cannot read and understand a simple story by age 10. To help countries respond to the global crisis and meet the new literacy target, the World Bank has developed:
- Literacy Policy Package consisting of interventions focused specifically on promoting acquisition of reading proficiency in primary school,
- Renewed Education Approach to strengthen entire education systems so that literacy improvements can be sustained and scaled up and all other education outcomes can be achieved,
- Learning Assessment Platform to eliminate the measurement gap—covering measurement of both learning outcomes and their drivers,
- Research and Innovation on how to build foundational skills.
To delve deeper into this topic, we encourage you to browse the website
- www.worldbank.org/...
- www.ifc.org/...
Moderator: Erick Rabemananoro
Isaac from Kenya. Is World Bank keen on working with governments to revise and restructure teaching curriculums right from elementary to high school to tertiary with emphasis on early adoption of wealth creation, financial literacy and entrepreneural knowledge and skills?
Isaac Wafula
Yes, the World Bank recognizes that preparing a productive and competitive workforce starts in school (and even before), by providing the foundation and skills to unlock the potential of future innovators and entrepreneurs. This requires investments in foundational literacy and numeracy skills, problem-solving and other soft skills, digital and business skills, and awareness of sustainability and climate challenges. To learn more, visit:
blogs.worldbank.org/education
Expert: Elizabeth Ruppert Bulmer