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World Bank

All articles tagged with #world bank

Trump-led Gaza reconstruction fund remains unfunded despite pledges
world12 minutes ago

Trump-led Gaza reconstruction fund remains unfunded despite pledges

The Trump Board of Peace has no cash in its official Gaza reconstruction fund despite pledges from the US and other countries and backing from the World Bank and UN; money has not been deposited because the reconstruction phase has not begun. Donors reportedly pledged billions (US up to $10B; Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE each at least $1B), but the fund remains empty. An EU-UN assessment estimates Gaza will need around €60–€71B over the next decade, and questions about transparency have surfaced amid reports of donations entering a JPMorgan account.

Fresh Funds, Frozen Plans: Trump's Board of Peace Has Seen Zero Deposits Despite Billions Pledged
middle-east1 day ago

Fresh Funds, Frozen Plans: Trump's Board of Peace Has Seen Zero Deposits Despite Billions Pledged

Despite pledges totaling about $17 billion from the US and other leaders, the World Bank–backed Board of Peace has not deposited any funds; donations are flowing through a JPMorgan account not required to report to the World Bank, with several major pledges frozen or not yet spent, and the board says it will report its finances later as it continues to set up funding channels and operations in Gaza.

War-linked energy shocks spark global fertiliser crunch and food-price fears
world26 days ago

War-linked energy shocks spark global fertiliser crunch and food-price fears

The World Bank warns that the Iran conflict is driving a global fertiliser shortage by lifting natural‑gas prices, increasing fertiliser costs and squeezing farmers’ margins, which could curb next year’s harvests even as Europe remains comparatively insulated for the current season. FAO notes shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are pressuring Asia and the Global South, risking higher food prices and inflation unless energy markets stabilise and fertiliser supply chains recover. Analysts say persistent high input costs could require tighter monetary policy in some economies, and experts call for urgent European action and a shift toward strategic autonomy over fertiliser inputs to stabilise the global food system.

Europe Pushes Growth and Energy Security in DC, but US Keeps Its Eye on China
world1 month ago

Europe Pushes Growth and Energy Security in DC, but US Keeps Its Eye on China

European finance officials pressed Washington during the IMF-World Bank spring meetings to advance growth, energy security, Ukraine support, and a more integrated EU financial market, but the U.S. response centered on growth and a China-focused strategic rivalry, making Europe feel sidelined and prompting concerns about cross-Atlantic cooperation amid financial and geopolitical tensions.

IMF warns war in Iran will leave a lasting drag on world growth
world1 month ago

IMF warns war in Iran will leave a lasting drag on world growth

The IMF lowers its global growth outlook and flags the Iran conflict as a lasting drag on the world economy, planning between $20–$50 billion in emergency balance‑of‑payments support while cautioning there will be no neat return to pre‑war conditions; the crisis drives energy costs higher, disrupts supply chains and undermines market confidence, with about 45 million people facing food insecurity. The World Bank also signals slower regional growth and says up to $25 billion can be mobilized quickly for affected developing countries, with as much as $60 billion available over the longer term.

Developing Nations See One-Quarter Fall Below 2019 Income Levels, World Bank Warns
world4 months ago

Developing Nations See One-Quarter Fall Below 2019 Income Levels, World Bank Warns

About a quarter of developing countries are poorer now than in 2019 due to post-pandemic shocks, with many in sub-Saharan Africa; while some economies posted modest growth, global growth is slowing and not enough to reduce poverty. The World Bank notes China’s projected growth of about 4.4% this year and 4.2% next, and urges tighter budgets, more private investment and trade liberalization, and investment in technology and education to sustain growth amid high debt and aging populations.

"World Bank: China's Headwinds Slow East Asia's Faster Growth"
economics2 years ago

"World Bank: China's Headwinds Slow East Asia's Faster Growth"

The World Bank forecasts that growth in developing East Asia and Pacific will slow to 4.5% in 2024, down from 5.1% in 2023, with China's economy expected to moderate to 4.5% from last year's 5.2% expansion. The region's growth is outpacing the rest of the world but faces headwinds from China's slowing growth, high debt levels, and a slumping real estate sector. External factors such as global economic slowdown, protectionist policies, and high interest rates also pose risks. The report emphasizes the need for bold policy action to unleash competition, improve infrastructure, and reform education to boost the region's economy, while highlighting the potential for China's pro-market reforms to accelerate growth.

"World Bank Warns of Catastrophic Famine in Gaza Strip"
world-news2 years ago

"World Bank Warns of Catastrophic Famine in Gaza Strip"

The World Bank has issued a warning that half the population of the Gaza Strip, totaling over a million people, is at imminent risk of famine, with urgent action needed to prevent widespread deaths from starvation within the next two months. The UN secretary general has called on Israel to provide immediate and unconditional access to Gaza for aid, while the World Bank's report highlights alarming trends of food shortages and acute malnutrition, exacerbated by relentless hostilities, damaged infrastructure, and restricted humanitarian access. Leaders are urged to act swiftly to avert a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with calls for both Israel and Hamas to take necessary steps.

"Coastal Protection: The Rise of Giant 'Sand Motors' Worldwide"
environment2 years ago

"Coastal Protection: The Rise of Giant 'Sand Motors' Worldwide"

As coastal erosion threatens many countries, the traditional approach of beach nourishment is proving to be unsustainable and costly. A new strategy called the "sand motor," pioneered by the Netherlands, involves creating a sculpted landscape that allows natural wave action to distribute sand along the coastline, providing longer-lasting protection. While successful in some areas, the high upfront costs and need for international assistance make it challenging for many countries to implement. The World Bank is funding sand motor projects in West Africa, but the effectiveness of these interventions depends on comprehensive climate adaptation plans that include shifting development away from vulnerable coastlines.

"World Bank Warns of Worst Half-Decade for Global Economy in 30 Years"
global-economy2 years ago

"World Bank Warns of Worst Half-Decade for Global Economy in 30 Years"

The World Bank warns that the global economy is set to slow for the third consecutive year, with growth rates expected to be the weakest in 30 years. Despite progress in controlling inflation, the overall economic performance is lagging, and world leaders are likely to miss the 2030 development goals. The report highlights that a quarter of developing countries are now poorer than before the pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions could further dampen global growth. The bank suggests that implementing policy changes, such as expanded trade and capital flows, could fuel an investment boom in developing countries and help improve economic prospects.