Elisabeth Mealey's blog

Whether it is connecting with someone in another continent without leaving home or jetting off in a flying car, someone familiar with Second Life knows that pretty much anything is possible in the online virtual world—from the serious to the ridiculous.

On Thursday, October 30, at 2 p.m. Washington time, Second Life users will be able to learn the results of the Doing Business 2009 report when it is launched on this island. Doing Business, a report published by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, ranks economies around the world based on how easy it is to do business, considering the level of laws and regulations in a region. The report aims to improve business environments, in part through dialogue and reform.

One billion people live in countries in which the state is breaking down or is overcome by conflict. These countries are often bridled with high rates of poverty and their governments are typically hampered in their efforts to provide basic services or security for people’s lives to improve. A live online discussion about support for "fragile states" will take place on September 25, 10 a.m. Washington time. Alastair McKechnie, Director of the World Bank's Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries Group and former Country Director in Afghanistan, will answer questions on new efforts to help countries considered "fragile" to break out of a cycle of ineffective government, poverty and conflict. Join the discussion live or send questions in advance.