The World Bank Group

For decades, global development has been defined by steady gains—fewer people in extreme poverty, better health outcomes, and expanded access to education. But that long arc of progress is now slowing. The Atlas of Global Development 2026 shows that global development progress is moving at its slowest pace in seven decades, reshaping how we understand today’s development challenges. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀: ➡️ Progress is now advancing at its slowest rate in 70 years ➡️ 150 million more people are living in extreme poverty due to the slowdown ➡️ Life expectancy is nearly one year lower than it could have been ➡️ Gains in women’s empowerment are about 15% lower than potential ➡️ In over 30 countries, core survey data is more than five years old This is not only a development challenge—it is also a data challenge. Improving outcomes depends on better quality, more timely, and more usable data that can guide real decisions. New approaches to data and visualization can help turn complex information into actionable insights, supporting faster course correction and better policy design. Read more in the Atlas of Global Development 2026 to explore what this means for the future of development data and decision-making. https://lnkd.in/eJ7t-6P9

NEWS: The Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda is a reminder that health emergencies require rapid action, strong surveillance systems, frontline health workers, and resilient public health infrastructure. The World Bank Group is mobilizing financing, technical expertise, and operational support to help countries respond to the outbreak and protect vulnerable communities. This includes leveraging existing health emergency response mechanisms and working closely with national authorities, WHO, Africa CDC, and development partners. Because this Ebola strain currently lacks approved vaccines or therapeutics, containment depends heavily on rapid case detection, contact tracing, community engagement, laboratory capacity, and strong public health interventions. The outbreak also underscores the importance of sustained investments in pandemic preparedness and response systems before crises emerge. Read more in this Reuters interview with Monique Vledder, Head of the World Bank Group’s Global Health Department. #Ebola #GlobalHealth #PandemicPreparedness #HealthSystems #PublicHealth https://lnkd.in/e6Je8WEN

Biodiversity is the living foundation of our economies, communities, and resilience, and on #BiodiversityDay, it is more important than ever to recognize its role in development. Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems underpin economic growth, prosperity, and resilience. Ecosystem services support food security and key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, industry, and cities. They also sustain jobs and livelihoods that depend on renewable natural resources, while helping communities withstand extreme weather and natural disasters. In response to its central role in sustainable development, the World Bank Group is scaling up support for biodiversity conservation, restoration, and improved management of natural capital across countries and regions. This includes working with countries to: ✅ develop economies built on the sustainable use of natural resources ✅ implement nature-based solutions that strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods ✅ promote conservation, restoration, and better management of ecosystems ✅ address the drivers of biodiversity loss through policy reform, pollution control, and stronger governance Biodiversity is not separate from development. It is what sustains it. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ebYmNsAK World Bank Group: Agriculture, Climate, Environment, Water

“We are a youth population in need of jobs. That means investing in skills and sectors like agriculture. But we won’t be able to eradicate poverty — IDA’s mission — until our debt is sustainable,” said Diana Gichengo of Tisa Kenya at the IDA Forum in Nairobi. A powerful reminder that creating opportunities for young people requires both investment in future-ready sectors and sustainable fiscal foundations.

Great catching up with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, who is in Singapore for ATxSG. We reflected on the strong and growing partnership between Singapore and the World Bank Group over the years. The WBG’s expanding presence in Singapore reflects the depth of this relationship, and our shared commitment to supporting growth and development in the region. We also discussed how we can work more closely together to strengthen regional integration, build capabilities, and advance development efforts across Asia. I look forward to deepening our partnership with the WBG in the years ahead. (📸: MDDI Photo by Sean Koh)

Water drives more jobs, fuels growth, and builds a brighter future. Latin America and the Caribbean hold over one-third of the world’s freshwater, yet millions still lack safe water and sanitation. In this Q&A, David Michaud shares insights on the region’s water paradox: abundant freshwater alongside limited access, and how smarter water management can drive growth, boost agriculture, power cities, and create jobs across the region.

This morning in London, it was a great pleasure to help launch The World Bank Group London Financial Solutions Hub at the London Stock Exchange, together with my colleagues Paschal Donohoe, John Gandolfo and Andrea Engel. The event started with the ringing of the opening bell alongside UK Development Minister Jenny Chapman and LSE CEO Julia Hoggett. Also great to join Minister Maropene Ramokgopa of South Africa, Melinda Bohannon and Phil Stevens (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), alongside key MIGA partners from UK financial institutions and insurance counterparts. Our scaled up presence in London reflects not just the importance of the UK as a shareholder in WBG institutions but above all the growing role of the City of London and UK insurance markets in mobilizing private capital for development at scale. John Lentaigne Huw Owen Himesh Patel Katharine Steger Ailish Campbell Jakhongir Kamolov Junaid Belo-Osagie Tim Reid