NextBillion - A WDI Publication

Will women reach their potential?

Abstract: The role of women in the global economy is on the agenda at the "Davos for Women" summit taking place in Cairo. Among the topics being discussed is the impediments that women still face as they try to contribute to economic development....

Source

The BBC (link opens in a new window)

LA Times: Four part series on remittances

Abstract: In an depth series, the Los Angeles Times explores the global practice of remittances as a substitute for foreign aid. Special thanks to Worldchanging.com....

Source

Los Angeles Times (link opens in a new window)

New Mobile Phone Program to Bring Economic Lifeline to Rural Rwanda

(CSRwire) Washington, DC, June 14, 2006 ? With the nearest telephone sometimes six miles away, a mobile phone is more than just a means of communication for rural communities in Rwanda; it is an economic lifeline. To help spur greater telecommunications access for villagers, Grameen Foundation, a global non-profit organization that combines microfinance with new technologies to empower the world?s poorest people, and mobile network operator, MTN Rwanda, are launching an innovative new venture: V...

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Uganda: Bona Bagaggawale: Co-Operatives Would More Effectively Serve the Poverty Eradication Purpose

Abstract: After dabbling in microfinance, Uganda, under the leadership of a new finance minister, is reintroducing the cooperative system as the core of its rural development program. This article also includes interesting commentary on microfinance. As Dr. Augustus Nuwagaba notes about Uganda’s experience wiht microfinance, Uganda’s poverty eradication programmes are usually implemented in a poor way and during time of electioneering. In the end, people per...

Source

The Monitor (link opens in a new window)

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Foreign Aid Has Flaws. So What?

Abstract: The New York Time columnist Nicholas Kristof discusses a book about the flaws of foreign aid and asks challenging questions to the international development community. Note: You must be a member of TimesSelect to view this article....

Source

The New York Times (link opens in a new window)

New environment chief targets poverty

Abstract: Achim Steiner, the incoming head of the UN Environment Program, is looking to take a policy approach that addresses the link between environmental degradation and poverty. As he explains in the article, "But what I became interested in was development and poverty - the realisation that for the poorest of the poor, stopping environmental degradation and having the ability to manage it properly is the easiest way for them to work their way out of poverty."...

Source

The BBC (link opens in a new window)

PM to address IDB conference in Washington DC

Abstract: Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller is one of many speakers at the Inter-American Bank’s conference, "Building Opportunity for the Majority."...

Source

Radio Jamaica (link opens in a new window)

Region

Latin America

Too soon to call a turn

Abstract: In an opinion piece, Richard Lapper explores the possibility of shifting political winds in Latin America. He also discusses the BOP and the new agenda of Inter-American Development Bank, which is being pushed ahead in full force by the Bank’s new president, Luis Alberto Moreno....

Source

Financial Times (link opens in a new window)

Region

Latin America