10.29.2009

Youth to Youth

Recently some 400 to 500, 25 somethings from around the world attended a conference at the World Bank entitled Global Youth Conference, under the banner Youth leadership in a time of crisis. During this Y2Y - Youth to youth - conference, these young people expressed their concern for their future, the world they are going to inherit and what they are going to do about it. A fascinating meeting to say the least, thanks to our very own Mehreen Sheikh and Nikita Malik. You can find out more about this conference on www.worldbank.org/y2ycommunity.

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10.16.2009

Grappling with Health Worker Shortages

Health workers play a crucial role in increasing access to health services for poor people. However, health workers are scarce in many developing countriesóparticularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The recently published book Working in Health presents the case studies in Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, and the Dominican Republic and looks at how effectively governments use the available resources in the health sector.

To find out what factors are potentially limiting the number of health workers in developing countries we have invited Marko Vujicic, Senior Economist at the Human Development Network of the World Bank.

For more info go to: http://go.worldbank.org/PU86PVIEU0

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10.13.2009

Mobilizing the African Diaspora

The African Union and African Governments want to engage the African Diaspora to help develop the Continent. The Diaspora consists of peoples of African origin living outside the continent. They represent a tremendous wealth of knowledge and know-how that could to contribute to the development and the building of the Africa Union. Are they willing to confront such a challenge? Shantayanan Devarajan who belongs to the Diaspora is our guest.
Check www.worldbank.org/afr/diaspora for even more info.

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9.30.2009

The Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking 2009

Are Developing Countries Missing Out on Investment Opportunities?

The Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking 2009 is investigating the investment promotion capabilities of investment promotion intermediaries (IPIs) of 181 national IPIs and 32 sub-national IPIs, making this report one of the most comprehensive benchmarking tool ever. It also gives powerful insights into the partnership opportunities investors may not have considered.

The Global Investment Promotion Benchmarking 2009 is a must for IPI managers and for investors. http://www.fias.net

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9.23.2009

What is Carbon Finance?

On the eve of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen in December, delegates from 120 countries gathered recently at Carbon Expo in Barcelona to discuss potential growth of the carbon market as an effective measure to combat climate change by reducing emissions. We hear a lot about Carbon market and carbon finance. But most of us do not quite understand what this is all about. Joëlle Chassard, manager of the carbon finance unit of the World Bank sheds some light on the subject. You can also get more info at carbonfinance.org

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9.09.2009

Doing Business 2010

Doing Business 2010 is out and getting the attention of the business world This amazing report is in fact a hit parade of the countries that have reformed their regulations to make it easier to start and open businesses. There are some surprises you won’t wanna miss! Listen to our guest Penelope Brook tell it all and visit their website: www.doingbusiness.org

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9.03.2009

Trouble in Paradise

Western Civilization was born there and has been perfected ever since. Ancient empires... the wonders of the Holy Lands... the amazingly delicious cuisines of Italy, France and Spain... a place where you can delve into 25 centuries of history, art, and culture. Is this paradise on earth? Not at all, it is the Mediterranean. But today there is trouble in this paradise. Pollution is choking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and Magistrates, yes Magistrates, want to do something about it.

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8.25.2009

Managing Cities Around the World

IEG, the independent evaluation group of the World Bank Group assesses the relevance, efficacy and efficiency of the Bank’s programs and activities, and its contribution to development. As it name implies the IEG is independent, very independent from the Bank’s group.

In this podcast Roy Gilbert, task manager of IEG spars with Judy Baker, lead economist in the urban development unit of the World Bank, over the latest IEG report “Improving Municipal Management for Cities to Succeed.”

The winner? Well, the 31 000 municipalities of the world of course!.

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8.12.2009

Dune Bashing and Remittances!

Dune bashing and remittances have Hawala and Hundi in common! Why? Dilip Ratha, lead economist with the migration and remittances at the World Bank helps us decipher this riddle. More info at www.worldbank.org/remittances. Also check Dilip's blog at www.dilipratha.com.

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7.10.2009

Egyptian Women Taking Charge

Gender equality IS smart economics. However women in several countries are still being kept from achieving their full potential. But in Egypt, a country that many say is not fulfilling the promises of gender equity, thing are moving full tilt to emancipate women. Even in an old traditional business group.

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6.18.2009

2009 Development Policy Lending Retrospective

In these days of worldwide economic mayhem, more and more countries call on the World Bank for help. The World Bank in turn wants to make sure that its array of financial instruments will deliver the best response to the problems faced by these nations. That is why the World Bank is now carrying out the 2009 Development Policy Lending Retrospective, a review of its development policy operations to assess its effectiveness in supporting the design and implementation of its clients' agenda. For more information check www.worldbank.org/projects and look for Development Policy Lending Retrospective.

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6.10.2009

Egypt's Sun and Wind

I recently traveled to Egypt not in search of the latest treasures or mummy in an unknown pyramids, there are over 100 pyramids in Egypt, but to find out how this capital of the Arab world was faring with the new economic downfall and the global climate change. This trip was a real eye opener. In part one of the series we see how the country is facing the challenges of climate change and how it is resolving the issue of finding new sources of energy for an ever growing population.

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5.28.2009

The Case for a Global Climate Change Deal

The world-renowned economist and former World Bank Chief Economist Lord Nicholas Stern made headlines with the publication of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change. This report for the UK government outlined the risks posed by climate change, the costs of addressing it, and the far greater costs of inaction.In his new book, The Global Deal, Climate Change and the Creation of a New Era of Progress and Prosperity, Nicholas Stern builds on his earlier work. In our conversation with Nicholas, he talks about the specific steps to save our planet. The book is available at www.worldbank.org/infoshop

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