The coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc around the world and dealt a major setback to decades of development outcomes. Last spring, we successfully championed a moratorium on debt for the world's poorest countries and launched a fast, broad-based response to COVID-19. We are financing emergency operations in over 111 countries – home to 70% of the global population- which has been the largest and fastest crisis response in the World Bank Group’s history.
Taking place fully virtually this year, the World Bank Group/IMF Annual Meetings will center around "Supporting a Resilient Recovery." Leaders from government, business, international organizations and civil society along with a diverse group of experts, will discuss the path ahead for developing countries.
The Meetings will take place from October 12 to 18.
What you'll learn
- Find out what can be done to encourage greater private sector participation in debt-service suspension.
- Learn how countries can recover from COVID-19 while continuing to address the growing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Watch experts as they discuss how we can reimagine the delivery of essential services, such as health and education and social protection, in response to COVID-19 that protects against future shocks and builds a more resilient recovery.
- Explore new ways to accelerate digital access and create ubiquitous, affordable, and reliable connectivity for all.
- Join us as we mark the official launch of the World Bank Digital Infrastructure Summit.
- Explore with us the obstacles to poverty reduction, including conflict and climate change.
- Tune in to the first virtual Civil Society Townhall, as we engage with representatives of Civil Society Organizations from around the world.
How to follow
If you’re like those of us global development professionals, you’re anticipating attending some World Bank Group sessions, and hearing some amazing speakers. You’re probably also looking through the schedule trying to figure out which sessions to attend or tune in.
We've got you covered!
To make that task just a little easier, here's a checklist that you can use to enhance your experience this year. So, start planning. Here are six ways to follow and engage with what our World Bank Group activities at the Annual Meetings have to offer.
1. Connect with top development experts
This year’s speakers include leaders from government, business, international organizations and civil society, along with a diverse group of experts and thought leaders who will share the best solutions for today’s dire global development issues. Have a question for them? You can ask them online when you join their sessions.
Featured speakers this year include:
David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group
Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director of Operations, World Bank
Carmen M. Reinhart, Vice President and World Bank Group Chief Economist
Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Policy and Partnerships, World Bank
Cyril Ramaphosa, President, South Africa and President of Africa Union
Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google and Alphabet
Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Abhijit Banerjee, Nobel Laureate
2. Watch Live
Even before the pandemic, we’ve got you covered with World Bank Live. It’s the World Bank's digital platform for live-streaming and engaging with global audiences. Block out time now to watch our events live. You shouldn’t also miss our live show – your chance to put questions to experts live – and we’ll be talking to Country Directors who will explain the challenges their countries face and how the Bank’s work with partners on ground is making a difference to people in every region.
Here's a rundown of some of the events that we'll be live streaming. For more, view the full schedule.
Civil Society Townhall with World Bank Group President David Malpass
October 13th, 2020 | 10am ET / 14:00 GMT
Defusing Debt - Creating Comprehensive Solutions
October 13th, 2020 | 12pm ET / 16:00 GMT
2020 Annual Meetings Opening Press Conference (Press Access)
October 14, 2020 | 10:45-11:15am ET / 14:45 -15:15 GMT
A Sustainable Recovery for People and Planet
October 14th, 2020 | 12-1pm ET / 16:00-17:00 GMT
Protect & Invest in People: Human Capital in the Time of COVID-19
October 15th, 2020 | 12-1 pm ET / 16:00-17:00 GMT
October 16th, 2020 |10-11am ET / 14:00-15:00 GMT
End Poverty Day 2020: Surmounting Setbacks
October 17th, 2020 | 10am-11am ET / 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
3. Follow the Live Blog
With our Live Blog, we are also bringing these activities closer to you, so you won't miss a thing! You will find a daily coverage and recap of the World Bank Group events. This live blog brings the power of our events, featuring dynamic discussions with top experts, economists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and more.
Bookmark, read, watch, and come back for the recaps.
4. Get Social
We'll be covering our World Bank Group events on our social media channels in English, Arabic, French and Spanish. Follow the hashtag #ResilientRecovery. Share, like and retweet! Don't forget to join the discussion and submit your questions and remarks for events speakers and experts to answer!
5. Engage
What is your idea of resilience? Show us with a photo and be part of our Virtual Mosaic –upload your pictures to our website and watch a digital artwork, created entirely you, come to life.
On October 5, we’ll be launching The Annual Meetings (AM) Virtual Meetings’ Space. This platform will leverage digital technologies to bring together the best features of in-person events and provide opportunities for people to connect with content and each other. The AM Virtual Meetings’ Space is an overall orientation and gathering hub where you can watch events, view the daily schedule, and engage with networking tools and other resources. It provides the necessary tools to navigate the Annual Meetings experience from registration to wrap-up.
6. Subscribe
Join the mailing list for news and updates about the Annual Meetings. We will keep you informed with emails that include upcoming events, events recap, and highlights of big announcements during the Meetings. Here’s how you can subscribe.
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