Analysis: Pandemic debt adds to challenge of funding world’s climate goals

Huge spending by governments kept the world economy afloat during the pandemic as officials mobilized a fiscal response not seen since World War Two to bolster household incomes and give businesses a fighting chance to survive the health crisis.
World Bank revises up 2021 GDP forecast for Western Balkans to 5.9%

SARAJEVO, Oct 21 (Reuters) – The World Bank on Thursday revised up its forecast for the economic growth of six countries of the Western Balkans to 5.9% in 2021 after a 3.1% contraction in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but cautioned that recovery remains fragile. In its regular six-month report on the region, the […]
World Bank trims East Asia, Pacific GDP forecast amid COVID-19 concerns

Growth in East Asia and the Pacific this year will likely be slower than previously thought, the World Bank said on Thursday, as many countries in the region grapple with spikes in COVID-19 cases, new variantsand vaccine supply constraints.
World Bank rejects El Salvador request for help on bitcoin implementation

SAN SALVADOR, June 16 (Reuters) – The World Bank said on Wednesday it could not assist El Salvador’s bitcoin implementation given environmental and transparency drawbacks.
World Bank slashes GDP growth forecasts for the Philippines

The World Bank has slashed its Philippine growth projection for this year due to a deeper-than-expected contraction in the first quarter and the reimposition of stricter quarantine measures in the capital region to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Gaps Remain in Countries Readiness to Deploy COVID-19 Vaccines

Assessments by World Bank and partners provide insights into more than 120 countries’ readiness to safely distribute vaccines WASHINGTON, March 18, 2021 – As countries undertake the largest vaccination campaign in history, the World Bank has worked with governments, WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund and GAVI on assessing countries’ readiness to safely deploy COVID-19 vaccines in […]