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.
Scientist and author of the most comprehensive global assessment on biodiversity, Sir Robert Watson, kicked off the event illustrating what science was telling us – one million species are at the risk of extinction, and 90% of the land is significantly altered threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. ``Protecting biodiversity is more than an environmental issue. It is a development and economic issue but also a moral issue,’’ he said to a full house. Two lightening speakers showcased innovative approaches to reversing the trend on biodiversity. Helen Crowley, head of sustainable sourcing innovation at fashion group Kering said: ``Fashion might be late to the issue of sustainability but we are here now.’’ Kering is one of the 32 fashion companies to join the fashion pact with the G7. Emiliano Ezcura, the VP of National Parks in Argentina, asked, ``If you're a finance minister, how can you not care about nature?’’. He spoke of innovative approaches involving creating rural corridors with ...
Join World Bank Group President David Malpass as he engages with representatives of Civil Society Organizations from around the world in an interactive townhall event. He will discuss with civil society a wide range of development topics that highlight the Bank’s work to reduce poverty, boost shared prosperity, secure financial stability, and promote sustainable economic growth.
Learning poverty—the percentage of children unable to read by the age of 10—is at the heart of global poverty. Tackling all the fundamental steps that are needed to deliver the outcome of a child who can read by their first decade of life requires action across multiple arenas. To learn, children must first survive and thrive; families must have access to quality services; girls must have the same opportunities as boys; parents must have economic opportunities and countries must have policy approaches that allow all of this to flourish. Learning poverty is inextricably linked to global poverty. Join us to hear from speakers, who will highlight the actions being taken to tackle this fundamental shift to achieving stronger country outcomes.
Rising debt levels pose a challenge to the global effort to end extreme poverty and achieve other Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To meet these goals, countries will need to invest at least 4.5% of national GDP each year on infrastructure alone. They will need to find ways to finance these investments without letting debt grow to unmanageable levels. Debt transparency, as a result, has become an urgent priority—and the World Bank Group is stepping up its efforts in this area. This panel will bring together a diverse group of experts—representing the perspectives of governments, investors, and civil society organizations—to address three key questions: 1) Why is debt transparency important? 2) Why is it lacking in so many low-income countries? 3) What must be done to create the right incentives for greater debt transparency?
How is fintech reshaping financial services to reach three billion unbanked people? #FintechInnovators are transforming financial services around the world and empowering financially underserved people and businesses. Monica Brand Engel, Co-Founding Partner, Quona Capital, Benjamin E. Diokno, Governor Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Ashraf Sabry, CEO, Fawry, and Andrew Torre, Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA), Visa Inc., discussed emerging opportunities and risks, the financial inclusion challenge, and regulatory strategies to foster inclusive innovation and financial expansion. Here are some points they highlighted: In five years, 50 percent of transactions will be electronic. Customers’ preferences will continue to change. It’s hard to imagine that they will go to a bank branch in 10 years’ time. Regulation matters— authorities need to create the right economic incentives for merchants to move out of shadow economies. Cash is the most known brand in any country. It’s a tough competitor. Personal financial management FinTechs will help consumers figure out ...
