With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), world leaders made a bold pledge in 2015 to leave no one behind on the path of development by 2030. Half-way to the target date, some 22 countries…

Samuel Kofi Tetteh Baah, Christoph Lakner, Umar Serajuddin |

Though the South Asia Region (SAR) contains just eight countries, it accounts for almost a quarter of the world’s population, but it also carries an increasing share of global debt. What's…

Prateek Samal, Anthony Tin Yu To |

As we mark International Women’s Day this month, we spotlight the main hurdles to women’s labor force participation in Iraq to shape future programs and policies for enhanced equality in the labor…

Soraya El-Khalil, Tala Ismail |

While MENA has made strides in improving women and girls’ health, much more needs to be done. Understanding the impact of conflict on women and girls is critical for designing both preventive…

Fadia Saadah, Sameera Al Tuwaijri |

When conflicts end, the tragic impact of lives lost, damages, and the countless needs of people left in its wake are overwhelmingly visible. There are also other long-lasting and damaging…

A.S. Harinath, Ahmed Ali |

Climate change effects are on the radar of central banks, financial regulators, and supervisors. Climate-related and environmental risks can affect financial stability, but they also provide new…

Irina Asktrakhan, Andrius Skarnulis |

Looking back on 2023, here are 5 key takeaways on regional cooperation in South Asia.

Cecile Fruman |

A look back at South Asia’s year in 10 blogs. These blogs spotlight stories of resilience and innovation, and explore issues critical to the region such as air pollution, climate change, women’s…

Adnan Siddiqi, Trishna Thapa |

An estimated 1 in 6 people experience significant disability, making it essential to consider accessibility when planning, financing and building infrastructure. Japan and the World Bank are…

Yohei Takahashi, Imad N. Fakhoury, Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo |

Extreme climate events have been increasingly common in Sri Lanka. The World Bank is helping to increase climate resilience - through efforts such as improving flood resilience in the Kelani River…

Masatsugu Takamatsu, Masakazu Miyagi, Priyanka Dissanayake |