Newsletter - Issue 2

The Institute for Economic Development offers a one-stop shop for curated insights on development challenges. Harnessing cutting-edge technologies like big data, machine learning, and AI, we aim to break barriers to information access. A prime example of these efforts is our AI-driven podcast-style explainer for the World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies. This innovative audio explainer offers tailored content, with one version designed for policy decision makers and another for technical practitioners. Both versions are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French, ensuring broader accessibility. Delivered in a quick and conversational format, the podcast makes key insights from the report easily digestible for diverse audiences. Explore it now—select your preferred version and language, and don’t forget to share your feedback. Listen now

EXPLORE Research and Data Insights
Delve into curated research and data, and insights from our experts and partners.

Global Economic Prospects

Developing economies are projected to face their weakest long-term growth prospects since the start of this century, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. In addition to macroeconomic projections, the report provides policy recommendations to accelerate growth and development. Read the key policy messages we curated from this report. Policy messages

Insights from our Experts and Partners:

Why developing economies need a new playbook 

Growth in developing economies has slowed sharply, widening the rich-poor gap. Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, and Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, share insights on charting a new course for developing economies. Read more

Social (im)mobility: Why middle-income countries are stuck in the slow lane

Somik Lall, Sr Adviser to the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, and Forhad Shilpi, Sr Economist at the Development Research Group, outline public policy actions that countries can take to increase social mobility. Read more

Ensuring women’s safety: data insights on gender-based violence legislation and policies 

Anna Tabitha Bonfert, Data Scientist at the World Bank Gender Group; Siyi Wang, Analyst at the World Bank Women, Business and the Law team; and Marina Elefante, Private Sector Development Specialist at the Women, Business and the Law team; review data insights and policy reforms needed to address gender-based violence. Read more

More insights from our experts and partners.

ENGAGE with a Global Network
Join us or read highlights from our recent activities.

Upcoming Events:

Escaping the Middle-Income Trap at the 1st Mile 

Hosted by IFAD and the World Bank Rome Office, with support from the Institute, this closed-door event during the 48th session of the IFAD Governing Council will highlight key insights from the World Development Report 2024: The Middle-Income Trap. Somik Lall, Senior Adviser to the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and lead author of the report, will present its main findings and discuss how rural investment can be a pathway for countries to transition from middle-income to high-income status. Read more

MENA Growth Academy

Building on the success of the inaugural Growth Academy in Chicago and Washington D.C., the Institute and the Economic Research Forum (ERF) are partnering to organize the MENA Growth Academy in Cairo, Egypt. The program aims to strengthen research capacity, inform policymaking, and contribute to sustainable development in the region. The three-day event will include a Long-Term Growth Modeling training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to address complex development challenges. 

Recent Activities:

Building data together: An international workshop on building-related open microdata

This workshop, organized by the OECD Geospatial Lab in collaboration with the World Bank Development Data Partnership and the Institute for Economic Development, focused on the potential of building-related microdata for development. It presented World Bank insights on geospatial data for climate resilience and universal connectivity. Read more

Climate Resilience Consultation  

Organized by the Institute and the Coalition for Capacity on Climate Action (C3A) in Paris, this event convened participants to discuss the forthcoming World Bank Policy and Research Report: “Rethinking Resilience: Empowering People for a Changing Climate.”  The event featured an interactive presentation by the author, followed by a lively discussion around the key concepts from the report. Stay tuned for the release of this report.

Empowering Field Researchers to Tackle Global Challenges 

Organized in partnership with the World Bank Development Impact Group, the Manage Successful Field Research e-Learning drew over 6,000 participants from across the globe to learn and share insights on field research methodologies. Using our innovative learning platform, the program prompted over 800 interactions among participants. Read more

EXCHANGE Knowledge and Ideas
Share knowledge, ideas, and capacity through our learning events.

Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy

This virtual course, developed with the World Bank Development Impact Group, offers an introduction into how behavioral science impacts policy design, enhancing outcomes in education, healthcare, gender equality, climate change, and other sectors. Policy practitioners and researchers are especially encouraged to join. Register by February 17, 2025. Register now

Reproducible Research Fundamentals

Developed in collaboration with the World Bank Development Impact Group, this online course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of research practitioners and partners in reproducible research. Learn how to create reproducible workflows, collaborate effectively on coding projects, and ensure the security of personal data throughout the research process. Register by February 25, 2025. Register now

Geographic Considerations in Evaluating Women’s Employment Opportunities

Explore the Geospatial Women's Employment Analytical Framework (GeoWEAF), a tool developed by the World Bank to uncover how location-specific factors impact women's opportunities. This virtual course is ideal for policymakers, gender specialists, researchers, and students interested in fostering equality and opportunity. Register by March 31, 2025. Register now

See more events and knowledge exchange opportunities.

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