Pandemic, climate, economy top Davos Agenda
Despite U.S.-China tensions, leaders touted cooperation on the pandemic, climate action, and economic recovery during the Davos Agenda virtual gathering.
World Bank Group
Founded in 1944, the Washington-based World Bank Group provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. Its mission is to fight poverty and to help people help themselves and their environment.
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More than $5 billion aid sought for Afghans
Afghanistan needs more than $5 billion in aid to avert looming crises, the U.N. said in its largest-ever such appeal.
COVAX expands with World Bank backing
The World Bank approved US$2 billion in financing for COVID-19 vaccines in 17 developing countries as part of a two-year US$12 billion package.
U.N. study shows 'horrifying' violence against women
About 30% of all women worldwide have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at least once during their lives, U.N. agencies found in a survey.
Okonjo-Iweala to head WTO with U.S. backing
Nigerian-American Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is poised to become the next head of Geneva-based WTO after clinching the "strong support" of the United States.
Leaders stoke ambitions to reverse nature crisis
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. and World Bank leaders hosted a virtual summit to improve the planet's health and save biological resources.
WHO urges end to bilateral vaccine deals
The head of the U.N. health agency asked wealthy countries to stop hoarding most of the world's COVID-19 vaccine supply, saying it hurts poorer nations.
Study projects pandemic adds 168K child deaths
Hunger from the pandemic will likely cause millions more children to suffer from severe malnutrition and add 168,000 child deaths, a new study said.
Humanitarian aid groups confront toll of pandemic on poor nations
U.N. officials released a 2021 humanitarian plan that projects a 40% increase in people who need aid from a year earlier.
G-20 agrees to 'common framework' for debt relief
The G-20 major economies agreed to a framework for more debt relief among poor nations, responding to appeals from humanitarian and economic leaders.
WTO to be led by woman from Nigeria or S. Korea
The final phase of a race to become WTO's next director-general began with two well-qualified women from Nigeria and South Korea vying for the top post.
Experts urge G-20 to outdo debt suspensions
Experts cautioned a move by the world's richest countries to give the poorest ones more time to pay off debts will not do enough to alleviate massive suffering.
IMF sees global economy shrinking 4.4% in 2020
The pandemic-hit global economy is expected to contract by as much as 4.4% this year, the International Monetary Fund forecast.
Report cites climate-linked rise in disasters
A new report found disasters due to weather may force nearly 162 million people to seek humanitarian aid by 2030, almost 50% more than in 2018.
Mixed progress cited with 1995 gender goals
Leaders at a high-level U.N. meeting lamented the world's slow progress over the past quarter-century for advancing the rights of women and girls.
Leaders seek 'quantum leap’ for vaccines
More than 30 nations pledged to help 10 international organizations raise US$35 billion for fast-tracking coronavirus tests, medicines and vaccines.