The internet has been vital in connecting us to friends, family, work and school during #COVID19, but the poorest countries and people are being left behind. What can we do to support digital inclusion? Our @BoutheinaGuerm1, Director of Digital Development, shares some ideas.
In this 90-minute session, government leaders, NGO partners, and innovators will deliver a series of stimulating talks. Drawing on their unique experiences, they will showcase examples of policy actions and both public and private sector-led responses—across education, health, food security, digital connectivity, and social protection. World Bank Managing Director, Mari Pangestu will kick off this event and share key findings from the recently published report, Protecting People and Economies: Integrated Policy Responses to COVID-19. Related links: Report: Protecting People and Economies: Integrated Policy Responses to COVID-19 Website: Human Capital Project
The world is in a crisis without parallel in modern times—a high-fatality pandemic that is causing an economic contraction on a scale unseen since World War II. Having brought advanced economies to a standstill, the COVID-19 pandemic is now making its mark on emerging and developing economies. How can the damage be contained? What can be done to ensure a strong and durable recovery? This panel brings together some of the world’s leading thinkers to assess the way forward for emerging and developing economies, building upon the findings of the World Bank Group’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.
On June 1st, join us for a conversation with the Young Professionals Program (WBG YPP) – now representing the IFC, World Bank and MIGA. If you are 32 or younger, have graduate level education and a passion for international development, join us right here on June 1, 11am EST to participate in the discussion, and ask for tips on applying for the Young Professionals Program. You can submit your comments and questions now. To apply for the program, please visit www.worldbank.org/ypp. The application date ends on June 30.
Over the past three months, the World Bank Group has mounted the fastest crisis response in its history. We are now financing emergency operations in over 100 countries – home to 70% of the global population. Join David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group as he discusses the path ahead for developing countries. What will a robust and resilient recovery look like? How can we promote economic growth, support the poorest, and sustain businesses and jobs ?
The pandemic has exposed the benefits of a stronger, flexible, and more responsive civil service which can incorporate risk management and has access to contingencies in an emergency. It has also stressed the need for sound procurement policies, systems and processes. Helping countries procure lifesaving goods and services on an emergency basis is critical to blunt the impact of COVID-19. Emerging lessons from the immediate response to the pandemic point to the need to adapt models of government operations, service delivery, and interactions with citizens, which include GovTech options for modernization of services to citizens and businesses. Join us LIVE as we discuss these issues with Edward Olowo-Okere, Global Director for Governance at the World Bank. Related Links: Covid-19 (Coronavirus): World Bank Live Interview and Panel Series COVID-19 World Bank Response page Governments and Institutions COVID-19 Response Resources World Bank Topic Page: Governance
The COVID-19 crisis has triggered an economic fallout that will drive millions into poverty and worsen inequality. Amid the mounting human and economic toll, South Asian countries have ramped action to curb the health emergency, protect their people, and set the stage for recovery. Bringing together different actors of society, including academics, policy advisors, finance experts, and civil society leaders, this event will discuss COVID-19 impacts on South Asian economies and people, the pandemic’s effect on the stability of the financial sector, trade, and remittances, and opportunities for greater regional cooperation. Schedule *Each presentation will last 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute discussion 7:00 – 7:10 AM (EST): Opening remarks – Hartwig Schafer, Vice President for the South Asia Region, World Bank 7:10 – 7:35 AM (EST): Hans Timmer, Chief Economist for the South Asia Region, World Bank: Economic impact of COVID-19 on South Asia: a glance into the South Asia Economic Focus 7:35 – 8:00 AM (EST): Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson, BRAC: The impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods ...
The World Bank, in partnership with CES — the world’s largest and most influential technology event — is organizing a virtual event to highlight solutions to bridge the digital gender divide as part of the Global Tech Challenge: Solutions for Women. The World Bank and CES have recently joined forces and call on the tech community to help bridge the digital gender divide through a Global Tech Challenge: Solutions for Women. Addressing the gender digital divide is crucial to ensuring sustainability of women’s livelihood. This is particularly the case during crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic when connectivity is key. At times like this, we need to emphasize the importance of digital access for women. We will bring around this “virtual” table inspiring tech entrepreneurs from around the world –including judges and ambassadors for the challenge-- who will discuss what will it take to bridge the digital gender divide.
Locust swarms are ravaging crops and pastureland, destroying food and vegetation and jeopardizing food security across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of South Asia. Without action, the locust population could grow 400 times larger by June 2020 and spread to new areas, disrupting food supply, upending livelihoods and requiring substantial resources to address. The World Bank estimates that in Africa alone, more than 90 million hectares of cropland and pasture are at risk and damages and losses could amount to as much as US$9 billion in coming years. Join us as we discuss this important issue with two World Bank staff: Melissa Williams, Senior Rural Development Specialist & Afrah Alawi Al-Ahmadi, Senior Social Protection Specialist. Ask your questions now! Related Links: Locust Crisis World Bank Response Blog: The Locust Plague: Fighting a Crisis within a Crisis Website: Food Security at the World Bank Group
