For state-owned power utility companies in the Pacific, it’s time to cut the cord
State-owned power companies in the Pacific are increasingly becoming a fiscal risk in part due to their outdated management practices. Reforms are needed to allow them to prosper and perform into the future.
Ramadan decorations up in Jerusalem as Palestinians prepare for Muslim holy month
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Colourful lanterns and ornate Ramadan decorations filled the streets of Jerusalem on Monday as Palestinians prepared for a holy month freer of COVID-19 restrictions than at the height of the pandemic.
Does good governance matter for post-pandemic economic growth recovery?
Post-COVID economic recovery could be delayed in countries with poor track records on governance. Many researchers have examined the effects of good governance on economic growth using different methodologies and data sets, and the findings have been contradictory. In our research, we added a new dimension by asking the question: does good governance matter for recovery in growth after a mega external shock like the pandemic?
Queen thanks volunteers for helping Britain through the pandemic
LONDON (Reuters) – Queen Elizabeth has thanked the millions of people who stepped up to volunteer during the pandemic in Britain, including those who delivered food, medicines and friendship to vulnerable people shielding at home for months. The 94-year-old Queen joined Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and wife of heir-to-the throne Prince Charles, on a […]
European shares at fresh one-year peak after dovish ECB signal
(Reuters) – European stocks hit their highest level in a year on Thursday as worries about a spike in inflation eased and the European Central Bank said it was ready to accelerate money-printing to keep a lid on euro zone borrowing costs.
On the road to a speedy economic recovery: A broad-based tax system is key to Solomon Islands’ pandemic response
By Matthew Hodge A more sustainable revenue base for the Pacific Island nation could better manage changing economic conditions and the impact of shocks such as COVID-19. While being largely shielded from the health impacts of COVID‑19, the economy of the Solomon Islands has felt a severe shock. Travel restrictions shuttered tourism throughout 2020, major construction […]
Fintech can drive a strong post-COVID-19 recovery in Asia
The pandemic has highlighted the power of digital technology. Now is the time to harness this power for inclusive growth so that communities, especially in poor and remote areas, can survive the crisis and thrive.
Blending education and technology to help schools through the pandemic
By Brajesh Panth, Jeffrey Jian Xu Here are five key areas where EdTech solutions can help countries transition their short-term education solutions to the medium and long-term. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing governments around the world to find innovative and practical approaches to improve teaching and learning. An unprecedented surge in online learning provides opportunities to reimagine […]
New technology helping rebuild Nepal’s quake-hit schools better, and faster
By Naresh Giri Effective project implementation demands real-time monitoring of construction progress and quality in the field. Thanks to technology, real-time monitoring of development projects is now possible, helping project managers address the multiple challenges of implementing post-disaster emergency projects. A good example is using a web-based project monitoring information system (MIS) to closely follow progress […]
University-industry collaboration at the heart of knowledge-based economic growth
By Brajesh Panth, Shanti Jagannathan The Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China offer 4 lessons for developing countries to strengthen their higher education systems and innovation capacities. Educated and skilled human resources are the backbone that help to build innovative capacities in economies as they move from factor-driven to efficiency-driven and then to knowledge-driven […]
