Issue 3: Introducing a New AI-powered Podcast Series
We’re excited to introduce the World Bank Group’s first AI-generated, expert-led podcast series — where bold ideas meet real-world impact. Our new podcast, Accelerating Development - Ideas for Impact, breaks down the latest research into accessible concepts for practitioners on the go. Available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, and Chinese, this podcast series brings you two focused formats: policy talks with key insights for decision-makers, and research talks that unpack the evidence and dive into the data.
Our first episode Empowering Women: How to Turbocharge Global Growth draws on the Women, Business and the Law report to explore how boosting women’s economic participation can help accelerate economic growth. Listen now on all major platforms — and subscribe to stay inspired and informed!
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EXPLORE Research and Data Insights
Delve into curated research and data, and insights from our experts and partners.
A new, one-stop shop for development research
We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new website — your ultimate hub for the latest research and fresh perspectives on key development topics: from economic growth and global trade to environment, data and technology, jobs, and beyond. Dive into a seamless experience powered by smart, AI-driven tools that make complex topics easier to explore. Discover new data, expert analysis, and our upcoming events and workshops — all in one place. Ready to turn knowledge into impact? Explore now and see what’s next. Visit website.
AVA (ai): AI + Verified Analysis
We're pleased to introduce an exclusive new way to explore development research: AVA (ai), an AI-powered tool that puts trusted, official World Bank knowledge at your fingertips. Built on a curated library of reports and publications, this isn’t just another search engine — it’s your shortcut to smart, synthesized insights you can rely on. As a valued member of our network, we would like to offer you access to this tool before its full release. Read more about this tool and be part of AVA (ai) founding community. Read more.
Insights from our Experts and Partners:
Developing countries need a better strategy to accelerate rural development
Rural communities brim with untapped potential. How could more sophisticated growth strategies unleash this potential? Somik Lall, Senior Adviser to the Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, shares insights from the World Development Report 2024. Read more.
Creditors are becoming a game changer in the drive for debt transparency
Recent data-sharing exercises between the World Bank and lending countries have shown that collaborating with creditors can significantly improve debt data quality and transparency. Haishan Fu, World Bank Chief Statistician, and Evis Rucaj, World Bank Program Manager for Debt and Financial Statistics, unpack the latest findings. Read more.
What drives education, career and migration aspirations of young people in Ethiopia, Malawi and Nigeria?
Education shapes youth aspirations and removing barriers can unlock their full potential for long-term socioeconomic growth. Amparo Palacios-Lopez, Ivette Maria Contreras-González, and Valentina Costa from the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) team outline findings from this LSMS research and what policymakers can do to address the main barriers. 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:
MENA Growth Academy
Building on the success of the inaugural Growth Academy in Chicago and Washington D.C. in 2024, we are pleased to present the MENA Growth Academy in Cairo, Egypt. Organized by the Institute for Economic Development, the World Bank, the Economic Research Forum (ERF), and the University of Chicago, this workshop focuses on strategies to boost economic growth, enhance productivity, and overcome the middle-income trap for countries in the region. Read more.
Empowering Resilience: The Case of Weather Shocks and Air Pollution
Environmental risks and economic instability can deepen existing inequalities and create new challenges. To explore new ideas on how to better protect people and communities, we are convening a special event with global experts, researchers, and development practitioners. This gathering will take place during the 58th Annual Meetings of the Asian Development Bank, hosted by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, in Milan, Italy. Read more.
Building Sustainable Futures in a World of Polycrisis
How to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity while protecting people from weather shocks? Join us to discuss strategies for increasing resilience against these threats and connect with World Bank researchers and global experts. The event, organized by the Institute for Economic Development in partnership with FAO, will highlight insights from the latest World Bank research and data. Read more.
ECA Growth Academy
How can we boost economic growth in Europe and Central Asia? The Institute for Economic Development, the World Bank, the University of Chicago, and the National Bank of Romania are pleased to invite you to the ECA Growth Academy in Bucharest, Romania. Structured around the key themes of the World Development Report 2024, the program will strengthen research capacity, inform policymaking, and contribute to sustainable development in the region. Read more and apply.
e-Governance Conference: From Bytes to Benefits
Are you interested in learning how digital transformation is driving economic growth and fostering innovation in the public sector? Join us at the e-Governance Conference in Tallinn, Estonia. We are excited to co-organize this year's conference along with the e-Governance Academy and Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Connect with global leaders and practitioners to address challenges and unlock new opportunities. Read more.
Recent Activities:
World Bank - IMF Spring Meetings Knowledge Talk
We recently hosted a special Spring Meetings Knowledge Talk in Washington D.C. to discuss and showcase how the Institute is reshaping knowledge diffusion – translating research into development solutions. Visitors and delegates to the Spring Meetings activities joined this interactive session to hear from the Institute’s Gero Carletto, Interim Director, and Renos Vakis, Lead Economist. Participants also got to explore our exciting new tools designed to make knowledge more accessible.
Enhancing External Debt Statistics for Greater Transparency and Sustainability
This workshop in Chiba, Japan, marked our first engagement in East Asia and the Pacific. We brought together debt specialists and officials from the region to discuss debt methodologies and classifications. Organized by the Institute for Economic Development, with support from the Government of Japan and the UN Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific, the workshop featured a keynote speech by Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group and Sr VP for Development Economics, and a presentation by Takahiro Tsuda, Director in the Multilateral Development Banks Division at Japan’s Ministry of Finance.
Measuring Development 2025: Biodiversity on Land and at Sea
What are the latest breakthroughs in biodiversity measurement? The conference, organized by the Institute for Economic Development, the World Bank, and the Center for Effective Global Action, explored solutions and priorities for effective biodiversity conservation. Watch the replay here.
Italian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists
We were pleased to co-sponsor the Thirteen Conference of the Italian Association of Environmental and Resource Economists in Rome, Italy. At the conference, we chaired two sessions discussing challenges and opportunities in developing countries. The first session explored examples from Mexico, Colombia, and Mozambique. The second session focused on carbon pricing and energy transition. Both sessions featured interactive presentations and engaging discussions among participants.
Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy
This recent online course by the Institute for Economic Development connected over 7,000 participants from all over the world to explore how to apply behavioral science in public policy. The program generated more than 600 interactions among participants and World Bank researchers through our virtual community forum. Participants gained new knowledge and shared insights with other experts. Learn more and express your interest in joining a future offering of this course. Read more.
EXCHANGE Knowledge and Ideas
Share knowledge, ideas, and capacity through our learning events.
e-Learning: Women, Business and the Law
Learn how to translate data and research from the World Bank Women, Business and the Law report into practical solutions to boost women’s opportunities. Understand the key constraints to women’s economic participation and get immersed in cross-country and regional analysis. This free course is self-paced, and available from June 10 to October 30, 2025. Save your spot now or be sure to register by June 10. Register here.
Winter School on Urban and Regional Economics in Africa
This workshop will focus on urban and regional economics in emerging economies of the Global South, and especially Africa. This Winter School, organized by the Economic Research South Africa (ERSA), the International Growth Centre (IGC), and the Institute for Economic Development, aims to stimulate interest and deepen understanding of the economic dynamics of cities and urbanization across the region. Read more.
Modelling Long-Term Growth Workshop
This in-person workshop, organized alongside the MENA Growth Academy in Cairo, Egypt, will equip participants with the tools to boost their countries' long-term growth. The program includes an introduction to key concepts and data, case studies, and small group discussions. Express your interest in future offerings of this course at the link below. Read more.
See more events and knowledge exchange opportunities.
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