Social Development

Social Development Social development means ensuring all people have access to public services, job opportunities, and a say in the projects that impact them. In addition, it means building cohesive and resilient societies and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/socialsustainability Social Development focuses on the need to “put people first” in development processes. It promotes social inclusion of the poor and vulnerable by empowering people, building cohesive and resilient societies, and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens.

Climate Change

Climate Change The World Bank Group focuses on solutions that meet our clients where they are and help them realize their smart development goals. We are supporting countries to build resilience to climate change so that they are less vulnerable and better prepared to withstand extreme weather. We are also helping countries grow and create jobs while managing emissions responsibly. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange Countries are working to grow their economies and lift people out of poverty while confronting droughts, storms, and floods. We are supporting countries to build resilience to these challenges so that they are less vulnerable and better prepared to withstand extreme weather. We are also helping countries grow and create jobs while minimizing their emissions.

Financial Inclusion

Financial Inclusion Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/financialinclusion Financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs – transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance – delivered in a responsible and sustainable way. Access to a transaction account is a first step toward broader financial inclusion since it allows people to store money, and send and receive...

Girls' Education This page in:English

Girls' Education Every day, girls face barriers to education caused by poverty, cultural norms and practices, poor infrastructure, violence and fragility. Girls’ education is a strategic development priority for the World Bank. Unlocking Girls’ and Women’s Economic Potential with Education. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/girlseducation Investing in girls’ and women’s education helps them develop skills for jobs -- the surest way out of poverty. The World Bank is committed to supporting education systems to be resilient, fair, and inclusive, ensuring everyone everywhere can learn. Ensuring that girls receive quality education can lead to a more prosperous and equitable future for all. When everyone fully participates in the economy, we improve lives, build self-sufficient communities, drive economic growth, and strengthen global stability.

Skills and Workforce Development

Skills and Workforce Development When done right, skills development can reduce un- and underemployment, increase productivity, and improve standards of living. Investing in upskilling or reskilling people for jobs of the future makes economic sense. Skills development is at the center of changes happening in education and labor markets amid the global mega trends, such as automation, action against climate change, the digitalization of products and services, and a shrinking labor force, which are changing the nature of work and skills demands. Consequently, skills and workforce development systems must proactively adapt to fast transformations posed by automation, climate action, digitalization, and the evolving labor markets. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/skillsdevelopment

Health Emergencies This page in:English Français Español العربية Русский 中文

Health Emergencies Health emergencies—caused by pathogens, natural disasters, climate-related events, or conflict—pose major health, social, and economic risks. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/pandemics Recent years have starkly highlighted the risk of major health emergencies and countries’ lack of preparedness to fight them. Between 2020 and 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in over 7 million confirmed deaths, an additional 70 million people living in extreme poverty, and well over $10 trillion in estimated economic losses.

The World Bank and Nutrition

The World Bank and Nutrition Malnutrition is one of the world’s most serious but least-addressed development challenges. Its human and economic costs are enormous, falling hardest on the poor, women, and children. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/nutrition Malnutrition is one of the world’s most serious but least-addressed development challenges. Its human and economic costs are enormous, falling hardest on the poor, women, and children. In 2022, 148 million children under five years old were stunted (low height-for-age), which indicates not only a failure to achieve one’s own genetic potential for height but is also a predictor of many other developmental constraints, including cognitive deficits and future economic opportunities, including impeding a country’s ability to accumulate human capital.

Migration

Migration Migration pressures are growing worldwide, with 184 million people on the move globally. Most countries are simultaneously places of origin, transit, and destination. The poorest tend to migrate internally because international migration is costly. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/migration Migration is set to increase, driven by income gaps, demographic imbalances, climate change and conflict. The World Bank Group supports global efforts to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration and help maximize the development gains for countries sending and receiving migrants.

Inequality and Shared Prosperity Faster and more broad-based economic growth is essential to accelerate progress in boosting shared prosperity.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/isp

Health and Climate Change

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/brief/health-and-climate-change

Social Dimensions of Climate Change

Social Dimensions of Climate Change As extreme weather and disasters continue to worsen and increase, millions of poor people face severe challenges in terms of job losses, health effects, food insecurity, water stress, migration and forced displacement, loss of home, shelter, and community ties, and other related risks. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/social-dimensions-of-climate-change Extreme weather events are deeply intertwined with global patterns of inequality. The poorest and most vulnerable people bear the brunt of climate change impacts yet contribute the least to the crisis. As the impacts of climate change mount, millions of vulnerable people face disproportionate challenges in terms of loss of jobs; physical harm; disease; mental health effects; food insecurity; access to water; migration and forced displacement; loss of shelter, assets, and community ties, and other related risks.

How the World Bank Group is addressing marine plastic pollution

How the World Bank Group is addressing marine plastic pollution Over 3 billion people rely on the ocean for jobs and food. These benefits are under threat due to a marine plastic crisis. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/how-the-world-bank-group-is-addressing-marine-plastic-pollution In 2016, 11 million metric tons of plastic flowed into the ocean. Without concerted efforts, this could triple to 29 million tons by 2040. The majority (70 to 80 percent) of this pollution is transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. The rest comes from fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels.

Circular Economy and Pollution Management

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/pollution Pollution is a major barrier to development - damaging health, constraining economic growth, degrading ecosystems, deepening poverty and inequality, and significantly contributing to climate change. Industrialization, agrochemical use, urbanization, forest fires, burning biomass for residential heating and cooking, and poor waste management have intensified environmental health risks, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The most vulnerable populations, least able to protect themselves, bear the greatest burden.

Food Security Update | World Bank Solutions to Food Insecurity This page in:English Español Français العربية

Food Security Update | World Bank Solutions to Food Insecurity Current state of food security in the world. Facts and statistics about food insecurity, its causes and challenges, geographic data and further resources. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update

Climate-smart agriculture

Climate-smart agriculture Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to managing landscapes—cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries--that address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climate-smart-agriculture Climate change and food and nutrition insecurity pose two of the greatest development challenges of our time. Yet a more sustainable food system can not only heal the planet, but ensure food security for all.

Agribusiness and Value Chains

Agribusiness and Value Chains Small and medium agribusiness enterprises are critical to link smallholder producers to national markets, meet food demand and create tomorrow’s jobs. The World Bank Group works to increase market access for smallholders and strengthen food value chains. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agribusiness

Fragility, Conflict & Violence

Fragility, Conflict & Violence Addressing fragility, conflict, and violence is a strategic priority to achieve our twin goals— end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. We are working with the global community towards the Sustainable Development Goals—in particular Goal 16 for peace, justice and strong institutions. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/fragilityconflictviolence

Reforming agriculture policies for growth and employment Diego AriasJorge Caballero January 30, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/agfood/reforming-policies-for-agribusiness In Malange, Angola, we met Florinda Chilumbo, a farmer who plants fruits and vegetables and sells them at the local market. Although these crops earn her more, she plans to grow maize to qualify for government subsidies and free technical assistance.

Building cyber resilience at national scale: Why strategy matters more than ever Giacomo AssenzaWilliam ZhangFrancesca Spidalieri January 26, 2026 This page in: English

https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/digital-development/building-cyber-resilience-at-national-scale--why-strategy-matter?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM273195 In 2017, a ransomware spread across multiple countries, causing an estimated $10 billion in damage to businesses worldwide. More recently, in Costa Rica, a major incident in 2022 forced the government to declare a national state of emergency and resulted in losses up to 2.4% of GDP.

Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa This page in:English Français

https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena/publication/waste-management-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa?cid=ECR_E_NewsletterWeekly_EN_EXT&deliveryName=DM273195 The World Bank’s flagship report, "Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa," reveals that the region currently generates over 155 million tons of waste each year, a figure projected to nearly double to 294 million tons by 2050. Poor waste management costs the region around US$7.2 billion each year in environmental damage. Food waste alone causes US$60 billion in losses, in a region where one in six people faces severe food insecurity. The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities in the waste sector across the region. Through new data from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report recommends pathways to advance waste management systems, tailored to high-income, middle-income, and fragile/conflict-affected countries. It calls for investment to modernize waste systems, reduce food loss and promote measures in line with the principles of circular economy. The report highlights that up to 83 percent of the waste collected in MENA could be reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Transitioning to a circular economy could also create better jobs, particularly in waste services and recycling, while turning today’s waste crisis into a driver of sustainable growth. The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities in the waste sector across the region. Through new data from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report recommends pathways to advance waste management systems, tailored to high-income, middle-income, and fragile/conflict-affected countries. It calls for investment to modernize waste systems, reduce food loss and promote measures in line with the principles of circular economy. The report highlights that up to 83 percent of the waste collected in MENA could be reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Transitioning to a circular economy could also create better jobs, particularly in waste services and recycling, while turning today’s waste crisis into a driver of sustainable growth.