The world is facing rising food prices that are hitting poor and developing countries hardest. Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and acute hunger were on the rise due to factors, including conflict, socio-economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests. The disruption caused by the war in Ukraine has added to price pressures, with costs likely to remain high for the foreseeable future and expected to push millions of additional people into acute food insecurity.In this episode of The Development Podcast, World Bank Food and Agriculture Global Practice Manager Julian Lampietti explains the challenges and discusses some of the solutions. And we hear from a pizza restaurant owner in Cairo who is struggling with the rising cost of bread.Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:32] What's happening in terms of agriculture and food in the world right now[06:47] Visions from Cairo: Food costs, supply chains, local business... and pizza[13:08] A human catastrophe? Food price crisis related to the war in Ukraine[14:21] Availability issues, people's access to food, or the production of food?[18:05] Food prices: How the situation could evolve in the short term[19:22] Lessons learnt from previous food price crisis[24:07] Investments in agricultural and food technologies[27:45] How the World Bank is responding to this crisis[29:32] Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesJulian Lampietti, Manager for Agriculture &amp; Food Global Practice, World Bank Group: "The war in Ukraine just accelerated what was already happening, we have this food system that feeds us and it's wonderful but it's also destroying the planet as it does that. And it's getting more and more unstable."Dareen Akkad, restaurant owner in Cairo, Egypt: "One of the ways that we have to plan is to find products that we can create that rely less heavily on imports and more so on locally grown ingredients or let's say even if it's locally processed ingredients."ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

The world is facing rising food prices that are hitting poor and developing countries hardest. Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and acute hunger were on the rise due to factors, including conflict, socio-economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests. The disruption caused by the war in Ukraine has added to price pressures, with costs likely to remain high for the foreseeable future and expected to push millions of additional people into acute food insecurity.In this episode of <a href="https://mcas-proxyweb.mcas.ms/certificate-checker?login=false&amp;originalUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldbank.org.mcas.ms%2Fen%2Fnews%2Fseries%2Fthe-development-podcast%3FMcasTsid%3D20892&amp;McasCSRF=5138e58156e029c14155183ddd59244b77c2d7394d627ccbb0654e78ac9a0440" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>, World Bank Food and Agriculture Global Practice Manager <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/people/j/julian-lampietti" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Julian Lampietti</a> explains the challenges and discusses some of the solutions. And we hear from a pizza restaurant owner in Cairo who is struggling with the rising cost of bread.<h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:32] What's happening in terms of agriculture and food in the world right now[06:47] Visions from Cairo: Food costs, supply chains, local business... and pizza[13:08] A human catastrophe? Food price crisis related to the war in Ukraine[14:21] Availability issues, people's access to food, or the production of food?[18:05] Food prices: How the situation could evolve in the short term[19:22] Lessons learnt from previous food price crisis[24:07] Investments in agricultural and food technologies[27:45] How the World Bank is responding to this crisis[29:32] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>Julian Lampietti, Manager for Agriculture &amp; Food Global Practice, World Bank Group: "The war in Ukraine just accelerated what was already happening, we have this food system that feeds us and it's wonderful but it's also destroying the planet as it does that. And it's getting more and more unstable."</li><li>Dareen Akkad, restaurant owner in Cairo, Egypt: "One of the ways that we have to plan is to find products that we can create that rely less heavily on imports and more so on locally grown ingredients or let's say even if it's locally processed ingredients."</li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Why Is the World Facing a Food Crisis? And Why Are Prices Climbing So High?

Putting people first through investing in human capital – the knowledge, skills, and health that people need to achieve their potential – is critical for sustainable, inclusive growth and poverty reduction. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic threaten to leave generations behind and exacerbate inequalities. Health impacts, setbacks to nutrition, the early years and learning, job losses and expanding gender gaps must be addressed with urgency. Countries have stepped up in innovative ways to put people first through building, protecting, and utilizing human capital – with support from the World Bank and partners. However – ambition, innovation, and sustained support are needed to recover human capital losses and strengthen recovery. Investing in people consistently and providing opportunities for all to achieve their potential can yield economic dividends – and help bring greater stability in a challenging global context.During the 2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, leaders, innovators and change-makers shared how investments in human capital can not only change lives for individuals, but also create more inclusive and equitable societies. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of The Development Podcast. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:38] Tanzania's education system[05:13] Tanzania's investment in health[08:28] Tanzania: Challenges in education and health[13:35] Tackling learning poverty[17:36] Special considerations from a gender and fragility context[19:07] Impacts of the pandemic on young people[23:50] The value of investing in people[28:10] Equipping young people for the jobs of the future[29:32] Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesSamia Suluhu Hassan, President of United Republic of Tanzania: "In some societies, the herd keepers, the livestock keepers, they prefer their kids to go for herding rather than going to school. We had to educate the parents to accept sending their kids to school."David R. Malpass, President, World Bank Group: "Men are part of the problem [gender-based violence] and have to be educated and brought forward along."Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General: "Even if you had connectivity, teachers were not prepared to teach, and learners were not prepared to learn, even though we thought we had them connected."Mari Pangestu, Managing Director, Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: "This accelerated learning recovery really needs a focus, in terms of the programs that we need to design, the teachers that we need to train, to be able to have the tools and resources to address this."Malala Yousafzai, Co-Founder of Malala Fund: ""We know that when children enroll into schools, there's also the issue of what they learn in their classrooms. So it's the access to education, but also the quality of education that are important."Beatrice Mahuru, Founder &amp; CEO, GLaD Ltd and B&amp;WE Ltd: "Conflict resolution is definitely one of those soft skills that's required, both to manage workplace conversations, as well as their communities back at home." ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Putting people first through investing in human capital – the knowledge, skills, and health that people need to achieve their potential – is critical for sustainable, inclusive growth and poverty reduction. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic threaten to leave generations behind and exacerbate inequalities. Health impacts, setbacks to nutrition, the early years and learning, job losses and expanding gender gaps must be addressed with urgency. Countries have stepped up in innovative ways to put people first through building, protecting, and utilizing human capital – with support from the World Bank and partners. However – ambition, innovation, and sustained support are needed to recover human capital losses and strengthen recovery. Investing in people consistently and providing opportunities for all to achieve their potential can yield economic dividends – and help bring greater stability in a challenging global context.During the <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/investinpeople" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings</a>, leaders, innovators and change-makers shared how investments in human capital can not only change lives for individuals, but also create more inclusive and equitable societies. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/the-development-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>. <h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:38] Tanzania's education system[05:13] Tanzania's investment in health[08:28] Tanzania: Challenges in education and health[13:35] Tackling learning poverty[17:36] Special considerations from a gender and fragility context[19:07] Impacts of the pandemic on young people[23:50] The value of investing in people[28:10] Equipping young people for the jobs of the future[29:32] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of United Republic of Tanzania: "In some societies, the herd keepers, the livestock keepers, they prefer their kids to go for herding rather than going to school. We had to educate the parents to accept sending their kids to school."</li><li>David R. Malpass, President, World Bank Group: "Men are part of the problem [gender-based violence] and have to be educated and brought forward along."</li><li>Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General: "Even if you had connectivity, teachers were not prepared to teach, and learners were not prepared to learn, even though we thought we had them connected."</li><li>Mari Pangestu, Managing Director, Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: "This accelerated learning recovery really needs a focus, in terms of the programs that we need to design, the teachers that we need to train, to be able to have the tools and resources to address this."</li><li>Malala Yousafzai, Co-Founder of Malala Fund: ""We know that when children enroll into schools, there's also the issue of what they learn in their classrooms. So it's the access to education, but also the quality of education that are important."</li><li>Beatrice Mahuru, Founder &amp; CEO, GLaD Ltd and B&amp;WE Ltd: "Conflict resolution is definitely one of those soft skills that's required, both to manage workplace conversations, as well as their communities back at home." </li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022</h2>Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/investinpeople" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Meetings</a>, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. <h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Human Capital at the Crossroads: Reversing the Losses, Reclaiming our Future | Highlights from the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings 2022

Trade can be an effective catalyst for growth and development. However, the growing use of market-distorting subsidies undermines the multi-lateral, rules-based trading system that has promoted trade liberalization and global growth in the past. At a time when the global economy is coping with multiple shocks, including the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruptions to food and other goods, governments are increasingly turning to subsidies for relief. But the costs can be very high, in terms of public spending and distorted incentives for investment and consumption. How can international cooperation help create a fairer trading system for countries at all income levels?During the 2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, the heads of the four key global economic policy institutions—the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)—discussed the importance of trade and global cooperation for overcoming current challenges and implications of subsidies for markets and poor countries. They called for more transparency and proactive measures to reduce their harm, especially for the largest and most distortive subsidies. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of The Development Podcast. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:54] Subsidies, trade, and international cooperation[06:19] National self-interest vs. globalization[08:34] The end of an era of globalization?[11:28] Measurement of agricultural subsidies[13:40] Subsidy and economic policy in a crisis mode[18:03] Tackling subsidies: Politically expedient vs sensible things[24:42] Transparency, access to information, collaboration[26:34] Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesDavid R. Malpass, President of the World Bank Group: "We need to find a way to have trade that occurs in an efficient way to get the gains for the people around the world. It's going to help the poorest people the most."Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund: "I worry most about multiple shocks simultaneously hitting us and our proven, inability to deal with more than one crisis at one time."Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization: "This globalization, this multilateral trading system that has been built, it's a global public good. It took time to build it. And it has lifted more than a billion people out of poverty."Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: "It is about having a level playing field, making sure that resources are allocated to where they can have the most beneficial economic impact for everyone and subsidies really distorted that greatly."ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Trade can be an effective catalyst for growth and development. However, the growing use of market-distorting subsidies undermines the multi-lateral, rules-based trading system that has promoted trade liberalization and global growth in the past. At a time when the global economy is coping with multiple shocks, including the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruptions to food and other goods, governments are increasingly turning to subsidies for relief. But the costs can be very high, in terms of public spending and distorted incentives for investment and consumption. How can international cooperation help create a fairer trading system for countries at all income levels?During the <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/trade" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings</a>, the heads of the four key global economic policy institutions—the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)—discussed the importance of trade and global cooperation for overcoming current challenges and implications of subsidies for markets and poor countries. They called for more transparency and proactive measures to reduce their harm, especially for the largest and most distortive subsidies. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/the-development-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>. <h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:54] Subsidies, trade, and international cooperation[06:19] National self-interest vs. globalization[08:34] The end of an era of globalization?[11:28] Measurement of agricultural subsidies[13:40] Subsidy and economic policy in a crisis mode[18:03] Tackling subsidies: Politically expedient vs sensible things[24:42] Transparency, access to information, collaboration[26:34] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>David R. Malpass, President of the World Bank Group: "We need to find a way to have trade that occurs in an efficient way to get the gains for the people around the world. It's going to help the poorest people the most."</li><li>Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund: "I worry most about multiple shocks simultaneously hitting us and our proven, inability to deal with more than one crisis at one time."</li><li>Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organization: "This globalization, this multilateral trading system that has been built, it's a global public good. It took time to build it. And it has lifted more than a billion people out of poverty."</li><li>Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development: "It is about having a level playing field, making sure that resources are allocated to where they can have the most beneficial economic impact for everyone and subsidies really distorted that greatly."</li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022</h2>Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/trade" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Meetings</a>, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. <h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Preserving Open Trade: Subsidies, Geopolitics, and International Cooperation | Highlights from the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings 2022

By 2030, up to two-thirds of the world's extreme poor could live in fragility, conflict, and violence settings, so without addressing the challenges in these economies, we will not succeed in our mission to eradicate extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. The disturbing trend of rising and compounding crises points to an urgent need for the international community to come together and develop new and innovative approaches to support countries facing conflict and fragility. During the 2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, we discussed how to stay engaged during times of crisis and meet the challenges in new and innovative ways, along with our partners. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of The Development Podcast. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:15] The case of Yemen: Crises, challenges, and solutions[06:03] How Colombia has been addressing the refugee crisis from neighboring Venezuela[10:15] How the international community can come together to assist the most vulnerable[19:44] How the private sector can play an essential role[28:14] Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesMaeen Abdulmalik Saeed, Prime Minister, Yemen: "Unprecedented times need unprecedented actions. The response of the crisis determine how we can build back better after the crisis. So the response should be unique." Alejandra Botero, Director General, Department of Planning, Colombia: "If we're going to promise to give them all the services so that they can be part of the social system, health, schools, everything, you have to have a plan to integrate the migrants at all these sectors."Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations, World Bank: "Our estimate shows that extreme poverty will be concentrated in fragility, conflict, and violence settings in the next couple of years; so if we want to stop that trend, we have to invest."Hervé Ndoba, Minister of Finance and Budget, Central African Republic: "When we're facing fragility, the fiscal space is very reduced and we have to find solutions in order to increase this fiscal space. We have started the cleanup of the public financing."Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF: "Roughly 425 million children right now are living in conflict zones. These children are living in places where the compounding of the challenges requires a compounding of the responses."Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC: "We need to be persistent enough to convince the private sector to invest in a fragile country, but also we need to think about how the private sector can help mitigate the risk of working in this context."Donald Kaberuka, Chairman and Managing Partner, SouthBridge: "These small businesses, what you call the informal sector, unfortunately are actually the ones able to provide the daily jobs which people need."Mary Nazzal-Batayneh, Founder of Landmark Hotels &amp; 17 Ventures: "Looking at the multiple crises that we are facing as humanity, it shows that the public sector and private sector and civil society need to work together within the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goal 17."ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

By 2030, up to two-thirds of the world's extreme poor could live in fragility, conflict, and violence settings, so without addressing the challenges in these economies, we will not succeed in our mission to eradicate extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. The disturbing trend of rising and compounding crises points to an urgent need for the international community to come together and develop new and innovative approaches to support countries facing conflict and fragility. During the <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/fragilityconflicts" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings</a>, we discussed how to stay engaged during times of crisis and meet the challenges in new and innovative ways, along with our partners. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/the-development-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>. <h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:15] The case of Yemen: Crises, challenges, and solutions[06:03] How Colombia has been addressing the refugee crisis from neighboring Venezuela[10:15] How the international community can come together to assist the most vulnerable[19:44] How the private sector can play an essential role[28:14] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, Prime Minister, Yemen: "Unprecedented times need unprecedented actions. The response of the crisis determine how we can build back better after the crisis. So the response should be unique." </li><li>Alejandra Botero, Director General, Department of Planning, Colombia: "If we're going to promise to give them all the services so that they can be part of the social system, health, schools, everything, you have to have a plan to integrate the migrants at all these sectors."</li><li>Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations, World Bank: "Our estimate shows that extreme poverty will be concentrated in fragility, conflict, and violence settings in the next couple of years; so if we want to stop that trend, we have to invest."</li><li>Hervé Ndoba, Minister of Finance and Budget, Central African Republic: "When we're facing fragility, the fiscal space is very reduced and we have to find solutions in order to increase this fiscal space. We have started the cleanup of the public financing."</li><li>Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF: "Roughly 425 million children right now are living in conflict zones. These children are living in places where the compounding of the challenges requires a compounding of the responses."</li><li>Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC: "We need to be persistent enough to convince the private sector to invest in a fragile country, but also we need to think about how the private sector can help mitigate the risk of working in this context."</li><li>Donald Kaberuka, Chairman and Managing Partner, SouthBridge: "These small businesses, what you call the informal sector, unfortunately are actually the ones able to provide the daily jobs which people need."</li><li>Mary Nazzal-Batayneh, Founder of Landmark Hotels &amp; 17 Ventures: "Looking at the multiple crises that we are facing as humanity, it shows that the public sector and private sector and civil society need to work together within the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goal 17."</li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022</h2>Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/fragilityconflicts" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Meetings</a>, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. <h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

On the Frontlines of Rising Fragility: Collaborating and Innovating for Impact | Highlights from the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings 2022

The connection between development and climate change is increasingly clear: delivering on these together will require large-scale low-carbon and resilient investments. It will also require approaches that tackle the political economy of the low-carbon transition and help communities build long-lasting resilience to climate change. What are the investments needed to achieve a green, resilient and sustainable future? How can we unlock private finance for climate action? How are countries stepping up to the challenge? During the 2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, we explored the actions that are needed to create enabling environments, leverage different pools of capital at the right time, for specific needs, while involving communities and bringing them along in the global low-carbon, resilient transition. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of The Development Podcast. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:10] COP27 &amp; Egypt: Creating meaningful solutions for the future[07:56] How to make climate finance tangible and action-oriented[15:20] Private capital in supporting climate action[23:27] Transitioning economies, transforming climate[26:04]  Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesRania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt: "We cannot think about climate as separate from the development process of the country."Rhian-Mari Thomas, Chief Executive, Green Finance Institute: "We clearly need that enabling policy and regulatory frameworks in country, as well as the mechanisms to improve credit worthiness so that we can secure both local and international funds."Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics: "We have to put in place a big transition and we have to do it now, and of course, exiting coal, moving away from coal. That will involve a great deal of investment, but we're going to have to adapt."Mari Pangestu, Managing Director, Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: "Another realism that we are facing today the Ukraine war and its impact on high energy prices and increased concerns around energy security. How can we move forward to continue accelerating the energy transition?"Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC: "We are hearing very much from the private sector about green taxonomy. People want to know when they invest to support a fight against climate change, that is really targeted to activities which are related to that."ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

The connection between development and climate change is increasingly clear: delivering on these together will require large-scale low-carbon and resilient investments. It will also require approaches that tackle the political economy of the low-carbon transition and help communities build long-lasting resilience to climate change. What are the investments needed to achieve a green, resilient and sustainable future? How can we unlock private finance for climate action? How are countries stepping up to the challenge? During the <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/climate" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings</a>, we explored the actions that are needed to create enabling environments, leverage different pools of capital at the right time, for specific needs, while involving communities and bringing them along in the global low-carbon, resilient transition. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/the-development-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>. <h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:10] COP27 &amp; Egypt: Creating meaningful solutions for the future[07:56] How to make climate finance tangible and action-oriented[15:20] Private capital in supporting climate action[23:27] Transitioning economies, transforming climate[26:04] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt: "We cannot think about climate as separate from the development process of the country."</li><li>Rhian-Mari Thomas, Chief Executive, Green Finance Institute: "We clearly need that enabling policy and regulatory frameworks in country, as well as the mechanisms to improve credit worthiness so that we can secure both local and international funds."</li><li>Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics: "We have to put in place a big transition and we have to do it now, and of course, exiting coal, moving away from coal. That will involve a great deal of investment, but we're going to have to adapt."</li><li>Mari Pangestu, Managing Director, Development Policy and Partnerships, World Bank: "Another realism that we are facing today the Ukraine war and its impact on high energy prices and increased concerns around energy security. How can we move forward to continue accelerating the energy transition?"</li><li>Makhtar Diop, Managing Director, IFC: "We are hearing very much from the private sector about green taxonomy. People want to know when they invest to support a fight against climate change, that is really targeted to activities which are related to that."</li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022</h2>Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/sm22/climate" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Meetings</a>, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. <h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Financing Climate Action: Transitioning Economies, Transforming Climate | Highlights from the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic sent advanced and developing economies into starkly divergent paths—with advanced economies expected to recover fully by 2023 and developing economies expected to lag for years to come. Developing economies have nevertheless embraced innovative digital solutions that are enabling economic transformation and putting them on a path toward green, resilient, and inclusive growth. Private and public investment in digital solutions is bringing critical services to the poorest, creating jobs, strengthening small and medium businesses, enabling trade and services, and building resilience to shocks. At the same time, more than half the developing world remains digitally unconnected, and risks around privacy and cybersecurity are growing worldwide.During the 2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings, we explored how countries can boost growth, productivity, inclusion and resilience as they recover by embracing private sector innovation coupled with enabling government policy. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of The Development Podcast. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:48] The progress in Rwanda’s digital journey[12:45] Addressing the divides and opening digital opportunities[26:04] Closure and thanks for tuning!Featured voicesPaul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda: "A major challenge continues to be the insufficient reach of fibre optic cables in rural areas. This means that the majority of Africa's population does not have access to high-speed internet."Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer, Mastercard: "Where is my data? Is my data safe? Where's my money? Is my money safe? If I have it under the mattress, I can see it, I can feel it. If it's somewhere in an app, I'm not quite sure."Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner, TLcom Capital: "Most of these tabletop entrepreneurs, most of these businesses are women, and they have been largely excluded from this digital economy. But there is one way of including them."David R. Malpass, President of the World Bank Group: "There are now so many services being provided across the internet, that it pays for the investments that countries are making." ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these Spring Meetings, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

The COVID-19 pandemic sent advanced and developing economies into starkly divergent paths—with advanced economies expected to recover fully by 2023 and developing economies expected to lag for years to come. Developing economies have nevertheless embraced innovative digital solutions that are enabling economic transformation and putting them on a path toward green, resilient, and inclusive growth. Private and public investment in digital solutions is bringing critical services to the poorest, creating jobs, strengthening small and medium businesses, enabling trade and services, and building resilience to shocks. At the same time, more than half the developing world remains digitally unconnected, and risks around privacy and cybersecurity are growing worldwide.During the <a href="http://wrld.bg/QZSm50IvcLg" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">2022 World Bank Group-IMF Spring Meetings</a>, we explored how countries can boost growth, productivity, inclusion and resilience as they recover by embracing private sector innovation coupled with enabling government policy. World leaders came together to discuss how to best build resilience &amp; manage uncertainty. Listen to the Spring Meetings highlights in a special series of <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/series/the-development-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Development Podcast</a>. <h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[02:48] The progress in Rwanda’s digital journey[12:45] Addressing the divides and opening digital opportunities[26:04] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>Featured voices</h2><ul><li>Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda: "A major challenge continues to be the insufficient reach of fibre optic cables in rural areas. This means that the majority of Africa's population does not have access to high-speed internet."</li><li>Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer, Mastercard: "Where is my data? Is my data safe? Where's my money? Is my money safe? If I have it under the mattress, I can see it, I can feel it. If it's somewhere in an app, I'm not quite sure."</li><li>Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner, TLcom Capital: "Most of these tabletop entrepreneurs, most of these businesses are women, and they have been largely excluded from this digital economy. But there is one way of including them."</li><li>David R. Malpass, President of the World Bank Group: "There are now so many services being provided across the internet, that it pays for the investments that countries are making." </li></ul><h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WBG-IMF SPRING MEETINGS 2022</h2>Preparing for future crises and strengthening international cooperation are essential to deliver a resilient recovery and a better future for those most in need. At these <a href="http://wrld.bg/QZSm50IvcLg" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spring Meetings</a>, the World Bank Group convened leaders, experts and activists to discuss the impact of these global shocks on the most vulnerable communities. <h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

The Digital Revolution: Fostering Inclusion and Resilient Growth | Highlights from the WBG-IMF Spring Meetings 2022

Around the world 178 countries either have laws that hinder women’s economic inclusion, or lack laws that foster it. That translates to 2.4 billion women of working age who don’t have equal economic opportunities as men. And while the number of countries that score well in the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law research has risen, on average women globally have just three-quarters of the legal rights of men. What are the obstacles to achieving economic inclusion for women? And where is progress being made? Tea Trumbic, Program Manager for the Women, Business and the Law project in the World Bank’s Development Economics vice-presidency, joins the Development Podcast with the latest. ‘It is shocking that in 2022 we are still seeing so many discriminatory laws that hold women back,’ said Tea Trumbic for The Development Podcast. Listen now this episode!Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:13] Background on the 2022 Women, Business and the Law Report[07:29] The case of Gabon in making progress towards gender equality[11:07] Economic rights of women vs. men[12:40] Difference between kind of legal equality and equality and practice[13:32] The importance of childcare as an indicator[15:03] The provision of child varying from country to country[16:43] Ensuring quality of childcare provision[18:05] The obstacles to childcare[19:26] Is there a model of childcare provision?[20:30] The regional scorecard for Sub-Saharan in Africa[24:03] The expected gap in lifetime earnings between men and women[25:07] Closure and thanks for tuning!ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Around the world 178 countries either have laws that hinder women’s economic inclusion, or lack laws that foster it. That translates to 2.4 billion women of working age who don’t have equal economic opportunities as men. And while the number of countries that score well in the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law research has risen, on average women globally have just three-quarters of the legal rights of men. What are the obstacles to achieving economic inclusion for women? And where is progress being made? Tea Trumbic, Program Manager for the Women, Business and the Law project in the World Bank’s Development Economics vice-presidency, joins the Development Podcast with the latest. ‘It is shocking that in 2022 we are still seeing so many discriminatory laws that hold women back,’ said Tea Trumbic for The Development Podcast. Listen now this episode!<h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:13] Background on the 2022 Women, Business and the Law Report[07:29] The case of Gabon in making progress towards gender equality[11:07] Economic rights of women vs. men[12:40] Difference between kind of legal equality and equality and practice[13:32] The importance of childcare as an indicator[15:03] The provision of child varying from country to country[16:43] Ensuring quality of childcare provision[18:05] The obstacles to childcare[19:26] Is there a model of childcare provision?[20:30] The regional scorecard for Sub-Saharan in Africa[24:03] The expected gap in lifetime earnings between men and women[25:07] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Women, Business, and the Law: Examining the Obstacles to Women’s Economic Inclusion

How could crypto technologies change the international development sector? The World Bank’s Global Director of Finance, Competitiveness &amp; Innovation, Jean Pesme, discusses how blockchain could revolutionize aspects of economic development from trade to remittances. Also, we explore the promise and the pitfalls of this increasingly popular technology. ‘The less intermediaries you have, the easier it is to do it. The more the costs are going to go down, the more transparency you could have, using the data mechanism,’ said Jean Pesme on cross-border remittances. Listen now this episode of The Development Podcast!Timestamps[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:04] Basics on crypto technologies: Key definitions and data[06:41] How crypto technologies are benefiting international development[07:53] What impact could blockchain technologies have on remittance payments?[09:40] Fees, transparency, and competition[11:14] The trade challenges that blockchain could help with[12:51] How do cryptocurrencies factor into international development?[16:12] What are the climate implications?[18:18] Pitfalls that people should be aware of when it comes to cryptocurrency[20:26] Trustability, identity, and the architecture of the different assets[21:06] Crypto technologies: the most potential going forward[22:16] Closure and thanks for tuning!ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCASTThis international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform.ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUPThe World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

How could crypto technologies change the international development sector? The World Bank’s Global Director of Finance, Competitiveness &amp; Innovation, Jean Pesme, discusses how blockchain could revolutionize aspects of economic development from trade to remittances. Also, we explore the promise and the pitfalls of this increasingly popular technology. ‘The less intermediaries you have, the easier it is to do it. The more the costs are going to go down, the more transparency you could have, using the data mechanism,’ said Jean Pesme on cross-border remittances. Listen now this episode of The Development Podcast!<h2>Timestamps</h2>[00:00] Welcome and introduction of the topic[01:04] Basics on crypto technologies: Key definitions and data[06:41] How crypto technologies are benefiting international development[07:53] What impact could blockchain technologies have on remittance payments?[09:40] Fees, transparency, and competition[11:14] The trade challenges that blockchain could help with[12:51] How do cryptocurrencies factor into international development?[16:12] What are the climate implications?[18:18] Pitfalls that people should be aware of when it comes to cryptocurrency[20:26] Trustability, identity, and the architecture of the different assets[21:06] Crypto technologies: the most potential going forward[22:16] Closure and thanks for tuning!<h2>ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT PODCAST</h2>This international development podcast brings together the data, research—and solutions—that can pave the way to a sustainable future. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and cutting-edge solutions, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place. Don't miss an episode! <a href="https://world-bank-development-podcast.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Listen and subscribe for free</a> on your favorite platform.<h2>ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP</h2>The <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">World Bank Group</a> is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

How Crypto Technologies Could Revolutionize Development

On this edition of the Development Podcast from the World Bank Group, Raka Banerjee and Paul Blake examine one of the biggest challenges facing the global community today: Climate Change.  “If we don’t tackle climate change, over 130 million people will be pushed into poverty over the next 10 years and entire economies will be held hostage to the worst impacts,” says World Bank Manager for Advisory and Operations in the Climate Group, Genevieve Connors.First up, Raka reviews what we know about climate change and what’s at stake.We then speak to Carolina Schmidt, Chile’s Minister of the Environment, about the threats her country is facing and what her government is doing to address them.Finally, we speak to Gen Connors about the World Bank Group’s new agenda on addressing climate adaptation and mitigation over the next decade.

On this edition of the Development Podcast from the World Bank Group, Raka Banerjee and Paul Blake examine one of the biggest challenges facing the global community today: Climate Change. “If we don’t tackle climate change, over 130 million people will be pushed into poverty over the next 10 years and entire economies will be held hostage to the worst impacts,” says World Bank Manager for Advisory and Operations in the Climate Group, Genevieve Connors.First up, Raka reviews what we know about climate change and what’s at stake.We then speak to Carolina Schmidt, Chile’s Minister of the Environment, about the threats her country is facing and what her government is doing to address them.Finally, we speak to Gen Connors about the World Bank Group’s new agenda on addressing climate adaptation and mitigation over the next decade.

‘Entire Economies Could Be Held Hostage by Climate Change’

"The situation that we see right now is absolutely unacceptable, because a large of the world remains unvaccinated and this is a danger for all of us," so warns Mamta Murthi, the World Bank's Vice President for Human Development.Why are the poorest countries being left so far behind in the race to vaccinate populations? And what's being done to help? In the latest edition of The Development Podcast, we're examining these questions and more. From Addis Ababa, Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, Deputy Director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, details how the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded across the African continent, and the steps being taken to increase vaccination rates.Back in Washington, Murthi joins Raka Banerjee and Paul Blake to talk about global trends and the support that the World Bank Group is giving to countries and partners in the race to vaccinate the world against the coronavirus.

"The situation that we see right now is absolutely unacceptable, because a large of the world remains unvaccinated and this is a danger for all of us," so warns Mamta Murthi, the World Bank's Vice President for Human Development.Why are the poorest countries being left so far behind in the race to vaccinate populations? And what's being done to help? In the latest edition of The Development Podcast, we're examining these questions and more. From Addis Ababa, Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, Deputy Director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, details how the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded across the African continent, and the steps being taken to increase vaccination rates.Back in Washington, Murthi joins Raka Banerjee and Paul Blake to talk about global trends and the support that the World Bank Group is giving to countries and partners in the race to vaccinate the world against the coronavirus.

'Absolutely Unacceptable' Vaccination Rates in Developing Countries

In this flagship podcast from the World Bank Group, we’ll take you on a journey around the world of international development. Everyday World Bank researchers and staffers are working to address the biggest international problems – everything from poverty to climate change, education to nutrition, and a whole lot more. Through conversations focused on revealing the latest data, the best research, and the solutions making the world a better place, let us introduce you to the folks working to make the world a better place.

Around the world, some 70% of economic activity is taking place in the shadows – and no, we’re not talking about drug smuggling or other illegal commerce.  In this edition of The Development Podcast, the team takes a deep dive into a new analysis that has revealed that the informal sector – firms and workers outside the line of sight of governments in emerging market and developing economies – accounts for about a third of GDP and more than 70 percent of employment.    From Cidade Estrutural – one of the poorest neighborhoods in Brasília, Brazil – we hear from Abadia Teixeira de Jesus, who has spent her life climbing out of the economic shadows and into formal employment – only to be knocked back into informality by COVID-19.   Back in Washington, Raka and Paul speak with Franziska Ohnsorge, the manager of the World Bank’s Prospects Group, about her new book, The Long Shadow of Informality, and what these stunning datapoints mean for the long-term development goals of emerging market and developing economies.  About the Development Podcast: The World Bank’s Development Podcast takes you on a journey around the world of international development, revealing the latest data, research, and solutions to reduce global poverty and achieve a sustainable future.

Around the world, some 70% of economic activity is taking place in the shadows – and no, we’re not talking about drug smuggling or other illegal commerce.  In this edition of The Development Podcast, the team takes a deep dive into a new analysis that has revealed that the informal sector – firms and workers outside the line of sight of governments in emerging market and developing economies – accounts for about a third of GDP and more than 70 percent of employment.    From Cidade Estrutural – one of the poorest neighborhoods in Brasília, Brazil – we hear from Abadia Teixeira de Jesus, who has spent her life climbing out of the economic shadows and into formal employment – only to be knocked back into informality by COVID-19.   Back in Washington, Raka and Paul speak with Franziska Ohnsorge, the manager of the World Bank’s Prospects Group, about her new book, <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/publication/informal-economy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Long Shadow of Informality</a>, and what these stunning datapoints mean for the long-term development goals of emerging market and developing economies.  About the Development Podcast: The World Bank’s Development Podcast takes you on a journey around the world of international development, revealing the latest data, research, and solutions to reduce global poverty and achieve a sustainable future.

As COVID-19 Wreaks Havoc on Service Workers, is the Informal Sector Increasing Global Inequality?

In our first episode of 2021, we invited an all star panel of development experts - including UNICEF’s Henrietta Fore, economist and author Dambisa Moyo, Save the Children’s Kevin Watkins, and the World Bank’s Axel van Trotsenburg - to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s next when it comes to the COVID-19 response. 

In our first episode of 2021, we invited an all star panel of development experts - including UNICEF’s Henrietta Fore, economist and author Dambisa Moyo, Save the Children’s Kevin Watkins, and the World Bank’s Axel van Trotsenburg - to share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s next when it comes to the COVID-19 response.

'We’re learning that development is very fragile‘ - Expert roundtable on the COVID-19 response successes and challenges

“COVID has been a big setback and particularly a setback for the poorest countries. But I think there are some opportunities that we can build on into the future.” World Bank Group President, David Malpass on his hopes for 2021.In a special year end edition of The Development Podcast, President Malpass and Interim MD and COO of the IFC, the Bank’s private sector arm, look back on 2020 and examine the path to a resilient recovery in 2021.“I really do hope that as we come out of this, we can think about a resilient recovery that's about greater equality.” Stephanie von Friedeburg explains how the pandemic has laid bare global inequalities.

“COVID has been a big setback and particularly a setback for the poorest countries. But I think there are some opportunities that we can build on into the future.” World Bank Group President, David Malpass on his hopes for 2021.In a special year end edition of The Development Podcast, President Malpass and Interim MD and COO of the IFC, the Bank’s private sector arm, look back on 2020 and examine the path to a resilient recovery in 2021.“I really do hope that as we come out of this, we can think about a resilient recovery that's about greater equality.” Stephanie von Friedeburg explains how the pandemic has laid bare global inequalities.

End of Year Special: The World Bank Group’s President and IFC Interim Managing Director reflect on the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, and the opportunities for recovery in 2021

“Even by the standards of systemic crises, this is a once in a century, global – truly global – crisis,” explains Carmen Reinhart, the World Bank’s newly-appointed Chief Economist, about the pandemic-led economic downturn.In a special appearance on The Development Podcast, Reinhart and World Bank Group President David Malpass give us their perspective on the health of the global economy and what they believe a path to recovery looks like.“More-so than the 2008 crisis,” according to Malpass, “this one is really hitting the poor, hitting the developing countries. It’s not only a financial crisis, but it’s a true deep, deep economic crisis.”Plus: Pabsy Mariano joins hosts Paul Blake and Raka Banerjee to preview this year’s entirely virtual World Bank Group – IMF Annual Meetings and details how you can participate from home. Show notes:-Read Carmen and Vincent Reinhart’s article, “The Pandemic Depression”, in Foreign Affairs: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-08-06/coronavirus-depression-global-economy -Get the latest on the 2020 World Bank Group – IMF Annual Meetings and plan to participate: http://live.worldbank.org 

“Even by the standards of systemic crises, this is a once in a century, global – truly global – crisis,” explains Carmen Reinhart, the World Bank’s newly-appointed Chief Economist, about the pandemic-led economic downturn.In a special appearance on The Development Podcast, Reinhart and World Bank Group President David Malpass give us their perspective on the health of the global economy and what they believe a path to recovery looks like.“More-so than the 2008 crisis,” according to Malpass, “this one is really hitting the poor, hitting the developing countries. It’s not only a financial crisis, but it’s a true deep, deep economic crisis.”Plus: Pabsy Mariano joins hosts Paul Blake and Raka Banerjee to preview this year’s entirely virtual World Bank Group – IMF Annual Meetings and details how you can participate from home. Show notes:-Read Carmen and Vincent Reinhart’s article, “The Pandemic Depression”, in Foreign Affairs: <a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-08-06/coronavirus-depression-global-economy" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2020-08-06/coronavirus-depression-global-economy</a> -Get the latest on the 2020 World Bank Group – IMF Annual Meetings and plan to participate: <a href="http://live.worldbank.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">http://live.worldbank.org</a>

‘This is a once in a century, global – truly global – crisis’ – A health check on the global economy with the World Bank’s Chief Economist and President

On the latest edition of The Development Podcast, we explore the gender dynamics at play during the COVID-19 pandemic with the World Bank’s Global Director for Gender, Caren Grown.“It turns out actually that the pandemic is not gender neutral,” Grown tells us, explaining that women and girls face distinct risks including increased exposure to the virus on health care front lines, potentially larger impacts to their livelihoods during lockdowns, as well as heightened risk of domestic violence.As always you can send us your questions and comments: TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org

On the latest edition of The Development Podcast, we explore the gender dynamics at play during the COVID-19 pandemic with the World Bank’s Global Director for Gender, Caren Grown.“It turns out actually that the pandemic is not gender neutral,” Grown tells us, explaining that women and girls face distinct risks including increased exposure to the virus on health care front lines, potentially larger impacts to their livelihoods during lockdowns, as well as heightened risk of domestic violence.As always you can send us your questions and comments: TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org

‘The Pandemic is Not Gender Neutral’ – How COVID-19 is Uniquely Threatening Women and Girls

Developing countries are under tremendous strain while attempting to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. To try and free-up resources so that they can better protect lives and livelihoods, the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in April called on creditors to allow lower income countries to suspend their bilateral debt service payments and focus resources on responding to the pandemic. The plan – called the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) – was taken up by G20 Finance Ministers.On this edition of the Development Podcast, we hear from the World Bank Group’s Global Director for Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment, Marcello Estevão, who answers our questions on how the program works and just how effective it has been.And send us your questions and comments: TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org

Developing countries are under tremendous strain while attempting to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. To try and free-up resources so that they can better protect lives and livelihoods, the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund in April called on creditors to allow lower income countries to suspend their bilateral debt service payments and focus resources on responding to the pandemic. The plan – called the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) – was taken up by G20 Finance Ministers.On this edition of the Development Podcast, we hear from the World Bank Group’s Global Director for Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment, Marcello Estevão, who answers our questions on how the program works and just how effective it has been.And send us your questions and comments: TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org

‘A way to give developing countries more resources in a time when they need it most’ – Helping poor countries suspend their debt service payments during COVID-19

In recent years, remittances were on the rise, playing an increasingly important role in global development.  They eclipsed foreign aid in the ‘90s and surpassed foreign direct investment last year. Then COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns hit. Dilip Ratha, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Migration and Remittances, tells us that he thinks there will be a 20% drop in those flows this year, as migrants struggle to find work. And that matters, he says, because many families depend on those funds for their basic needs.  We also get the view from Manilla, from where Katrina Hontomin joins us to talk through how remittances shaped her life – from her early education to today. And Raka has the latest development data to help us make sense of the story. It all comes to you from the World Bank Group in Washington, DC and around the world! And as always, we welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. Email us using TheDevelopmentPodcast@worldbank.org. 

In recent years, remittances were on the rise, playing an increasingly important role in global development.  They eclipsed foreign aid in the ‘90s and surpassed foreign direct investment last year. Then COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdowns hit. Dilip Ratha, the World Bank’s Lead Economist for Migration and Remittances, tells us that he thinks there will be a 20% drop in those flows this year, as migrants struggle to find work. And that matters, he says, because many families depend on those funds for their basic needs.  We also get the view from Manilla, from where Katrina Hontomin joins us to talk through how remittances shaped her life – from her early education to today. And Raka has the latest development data to help us make sense of the story. It all comes to you from the World Bank Group in Washington, DC and around the world! And as always, we welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. Email us using TheDevelopmentPodcast@worldbank.org.

‘They rely on those remittances and without it, how can they live?’ – COVID projected to slash key lifeline for families in the developing world

Call it the “great lockdown”, the “coronavirus recession” or another moniker – whatever your label, the facts are clear: this unprecedented pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the private sector.While the full scale of the damage to companies and jobs is still being assessed, the International Finance Corporation’s Stephanie Von Friedeburg says: “developed country or a developing country, locking down an economy creates insolvency”.“What we're going to see is a rise in unemployment and a loss of jobs. Liquidity issues at the firm level. And the longer the lockdown lasts, the more probability of insolvency”.We hear from Stephanie about her plans to support the private sector during the COVID-19 response and recovery.Plus, Raka runs us through the latest forecasts for the global economy from our colleagues behind the Global Economic Prospects.All that and more from the World Bank Group in Washington, DC and around the world!And as always, we welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. Email us using TheDevelopmentPodcast@worldbank.org.

Call it the “great lockdown”, the “coronavirus recession” or another moniker – whatever your label, the facts are clear: this unprecedented pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the private sector.While the full scale of the damage to companies and jobs is still being assessed, the International Finance Corporation’s Stephanie Von Friedeburg says: “developed country or a developing country, locking down an economy creates insolvency”.“What we're going to see is a rise in unemployment and a loss of jobs. Liquidity issues at the firm level. And the longer the lockdown lasts, the more probability of insolvency”.We hear from Stephanie about her plans to support the private sector during the COVID-19 response and recovery.Plus, Raka runs us through the latest forecasts for the global economy from our colleagues behind the Global Economic Prospects.All that and more from the World Bank Group in Washington, DC and around the world!And as always, we welcome your feedback, questions, and ideas. Email us using TheDevelopmentPodcast@worldbank.org.

‘Locking down an economy creates insolvency’ – The coronavirus’ impact on companies and jobs

Millions of people’s food security and livelihoods are under threat from historic locust swarms that are decimating cropland in East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. As affected countries work to respond, experts tell the Development Podcast that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is complicating response efforts.With the World Bank stepping up to support countries, we hear from two of the experts behind the $500 million (USD) program – Afrah Al-Ahmadi and Melissa Williams.We also take a listener's question about the Bank's Young Professionals Program. Send your questions to TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org.It all comes to you from the World Bank in Washington, DC and around the world. Listen, rate, review and subscribe!Show notes:Behind the Mission: World Bank Young Professionals discuss their experience: https://live.worldbank.org/behind-mission-world-bank-group-young-professionals-programThe Young Professionals Program homepage: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/young-professionals-program

Millions of people’s food security and livelihoods are under threat from historic locust swarms that are decimating cropland in East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. As affected countries work to respond, experts tell the Development Podcast that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is complicating response efforts.With the World Bank stepping up to support countries, we hear from two of the experts behind the $500 million (USD) program – Afrah Al-Ahmadi and Melissa Williams.We also take a listener's question about the Bank's Young Professionals Program. Send your questions to <a href="mailto:TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org" rel="noopener noreferrer">TheDevelopmentPodcast@WorldBank.org</a>.It all comes to you from the World Bank in Washington, DC and around the world. Listen, rate, review and subscribe!Show notes:Behind the Mission: World Bank Young Professionals discuss their experience: <a href="https://live.worldbank.org/behind-mission-world-bank-group-young-professionals-program" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://live.worldbank.org/behind-mission-world-bank-group-young-professionals-program</a>The Young Professionals Program homepage: <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/young-professionals-program" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/young-professionals-program</a>

Crisis alongside crisis: Locust swarms threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions, while COVID-19 complicates response efforts

David Malpass

As healthcare workers continue to tirelessly fight the coronavirus, countries around the globe are starting to look towards recovery from the pandemic.In a special interview David Malpass, the World Bank Group’s President, shares his thoughts on the crisis response so far and lays out his vision for the road ahead – how to promote economic growth, support the poorest, and sustain businesses and jobs.The Group’s president shared his views on the unique risks and opportunities for developing countries as they look to mount a sustainable recovery.“It's a double impact. They're vulnerable to the pandemic - to COVID-19 itself and people are dying in the countries,” Malpass said. “But then this added problem is they just don't have the resources and the capacity in order to protect their economies.”“But we're moving to the to the next stage of designing programs that will maintain the economies and be ready as a recovery takes hold - we hope in the second half of 2020,” he said.

As healthcare workers continue to tirelessly fight the coronavirus, countries around the globe are starting to look towards recovery from the pandemic.In a special interview David Malpass, the World Bank Group’s President, shares his thoughts on the crisis response so far and lays out his vision for the road ahead – how to promote economic growth, support the poorest, and sustain businesses and jobs.The Group’s president shared his views on the unique risks and opportunities for developing countries as they look to mount a sustainable recovery. “It's a double impact. They're vulnerable to the pandemic - to COVID-19 itself and people are dying in the countries,” Malpass said. “But then this added problem is they just don't have the resources and the capacity in order to protect their economies.” “But we're moving to the to the next stage of designing programs that will maintain the economies and be ready as a recovery takes hold - we hope in the second half of 2020,” he said.

‘We’re moving to the next stage’ – The risks, opportunities, and the road to recovery from COVID-19, with World Bank Group President David Malpass

World Bank Group | The Development Podcast

Just in time for International Women's Day, this special bonus episode the Development Podcast looks at Women, Business, and the Law - major research analyzing female economic inclusion worldwide.Just eight countries have a perfect score of 100 and globally, on-average women have just three quarters of the rights of men. But researchers are seeing progress and reason for hope.

Just in time for International Women's Day, this special bonus episode the Development Podcast looks at Women, Business, and the Law - major research analyzing female economic inclusion worldwide.Just eight countries have a perfect score of 100 and globally, on-average women have just three quarters of the rights of men. But researchers are seeing progress and reason for hope.

Around the world, women on average have just three quarters of the economic rights of men

Update: This episode was recorded in early March and makes several references to the World Bank’s fast-track financing facility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since recording, the value of that package has increased from $12bn to $14bn. The podcast may contain references to the earlier figure.As coronavirus has rapidly spread around the globe – infecting more than 100,000 and killing more than 4,000 – healthcare systems and economies are coming under pressure. Of particular concern: Africa, where many healthcare systems are fragile and may struggle to provide care to the most severely-affected patients. For the latest, we get an on-the-ground view from Africa Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director Dr. Ahmed Ogwell – who has been traversing the continent helping countries prepare.  In Washington, we hear from the World Bank Group’s Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population, Dr. Muhammed Pate, about an emergency support package the Bank has announced – valued at up to $12bn – to help countries preparing for or responding to the outbreak. And as always, we bring you the data driving this story. It all comes to you from the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. Subscribe, listen, share, and review!

Update: This episode was recorded in early March and makes several references to the World Bank’s fast-track financing facility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since recording, the value of that package has increased from $12bn to $14bn. The podcast may contain references to the earlier figure.As coronavirus has rapidly spread around the globe – infecting more than 100,000 and killing more than 4,000 – healthcare systems and economies are coming under pressure. Of particular concern: Africa, where many healthcare systems are fragile and may struggle to provide care to the most severely-affected patients. For the latest, we get an on-the-ground view from Africa Centers for Disease Control Deputy Director Dr. Ahmed Ogwell – who has been traversing the continent helping countries prepare.   In Washington, we hear from the World Bank Group’s Global Director for Health, Nutrition, and Population, Dr. Muhammed Pate, about an emergency support package the Bank has announced – valued at up to $12bn – to help countries preparing for or responding to the outbreak.  And as always, we bring you the data driving this story.  It all comes to you from the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. Subscribe, listen, share, and review!

As coronavirus spreads around the world, countries brace for impacts on their people, healthcare, and economies

As the coronavirus has rapidly spread around the globe just about every aspect of life is being disrupted – not least education, which was already in crisis. That begs the question: How do we educate students during a pandemic?We get the view from the World Bank’s Global Director for Education, Jaime Saavedra, who walks us through COVID-19’s impact schools, students, learning, and the solutions countries are implementing.As students shift from the classroom to the living room, families are coming under strain and the digital divide is threatening to become an educational divide. We hear from two mothers in Colombia as they try to navigate the stress of working and now teaching at home.It all comes to you from the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. Subscribe, listen, share, and review!

As the coronavirus has rapidly spread around the globe just about every aspect of life is being disrupted – not least education, which was already in crisis. That begs the question: How do we educate students during a pandemic?We get the view from the World Bank’s Global Director for Education, Jaime Saavedra, who walks us through COVID-19’s impact schools, students, learning, and the solutions countries are implementing.As students shift from the classroom to the living room, families are coming under strain and the digital divide is threatening to become an educational divide. We hear from two mothers in Colombia as they try to navigate the stress of working and now teaching at home.It all comes to you from the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. Subscribe, listen, share, and review!

More than a billion students aren’t in class – how do we educate during a pandemic?

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Non-Current Politics Podcasts

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!