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Thursday November 26, 2009

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  • The Global Food Crisis: "The Silent Tsunami"

    Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • November 24, 2009, 1:30 PM to 02:45 PM

    Over the past five years, droughts in grain-producing nations, increased oil prices and sales of corn to produce biofuels have contributed to skyrocketing food prices and lower quantities of food reserves. Issues of food and food security differ in complexity across state, national and regional boundaries, often depending on the strength of a country’s economy and the stability of its political leadership. Global Economy and Development at Brookings hosted a discussion on nutrition, school feeding programs and food security in the developing world.

  • Fiscal Policy Rules and Latin America: Lessons from the Crisis

    Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Fiscal Policy Rules and Latin America: Lessons from the Crisis
    Fiscal policy has been mentioned as a key driver of the resilience that many large Latin American countries have seen during the global financial crisis. Mauricio Cárdenas and José Tessada examine Chile's fiscal rules and caution that a comprehensive fiscal strategy cannot focus solely on the short- and medium-term evolution of fiscal policy.

  • Sustaining Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • November 19, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

    On November 19, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings hosted Antoinette Sayeh, director of the African Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a discussion on the economic outlook for Africa. The IMF has just released its semi-annual Regional Economic Outlook for Africa which contains findings that indicate sub-Saharan Africa’s economic activity has slowed sharply with the onset of the global financial crisis. As the world economy stages a tentative recovery, what does this mean for the region?

  • Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?

    Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Corruption Index Today, Election Tomorrow, Aid Revamp the Day After?
    In reaction to news of brazen corruption in Afghanistan and the release of the new Corruption Perceptions Index, Daniel Kaufmann asks tough questions about the relationship between aid and corruption and suggests improvements in how development aid effectiveness is reviewed.

  • The Zedillo Commission Report on World Bank Reform: A Stepping Stone for the G-20 Summits in 2010

    Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Johannes Linn comments on the final report issued in October 2009 by the High-Level Commission on Modernization of World Bank Group Governance. He reviews key recommendations and examines reform challenges the World Bank faces moving forward.

  • Could the WTO Better Serve the Poor?

    Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • November 09, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

    While developing countries struggle to improve their economic status in an environment of increased globalization and trade, the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement mechanism continues to disproportionately benefit wealthy nations. On November 9, Brookings held a discussion on recent efforts and suggested proposals to help developing countries overcome hurdles imposed by the WTO.

  • Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change

    Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Tackling HIV/AIDS in Africa: From Knowledge to Behavior Change
    On October 29 President Zuma surprised the South African Parliament by announcing the need to "respond with urgency and resolve" to the "devastating impact of HIV and AIDS" on the nation. Richard Joseph discusses recent efforts to combat this disease in Africa and what can be done to facilitate further effective and humane action.

  • The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

    Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa
    U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury Neal Wolin's visit to three African nations demonstrates the commitment by the current administration to African development issues. Ernest Aryeetey urges Deputy Secretary Wolin to focus on sustainable development and encourage countries to establish frameworks for long-term growth.

  • India and a Carbon Deal

    Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    India and a Carbon Deal
    There is an emerging consensus among governments that aggressive climate change mitigation would be desirable, though they remain divided about how the associated burden should be shared. Urjit Patel argues that a burden sharing criterion which involves emissions permit allocation to each developing country would be a fair deal and discusses how this would affect India.

  • 21st Century Global Governance: Broadening Participation in International Institutions

    Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • October 30, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

    While most international institutions involve only governments in their formal governance structure, a number of innovative institutions have emerged in recent years that engage multi-stakeholders in their governance processes. On October 30, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings hosted a roundtable with experts and leaders from a number of these innovative institutions.

  • Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery

    Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • October 27, 2009, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

    In contexts of crisis and emergency, resuming education delivery is increasingly regarded as a vital part of the humanitarian response and plays an important role in protecting citizens while laying a sustainable foundation for recovery, peace, and development. The Center for Universal Education convened a consultative workshop on October 27 with the Inter-Agency Network on Education in Emergencies (INEE) focused on the development of the INEE Guidance Notes on Teaching and Learning in Emergencies, Chronic Crises, and Early Recovery.

  • Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

    Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security
    Although violence in Iraq has decreased, Raj Desai states other transitions are needed before U.S. businesses feel comfortable about the Iraqi investment climate. In addition to security, Desai offers three sets of fundamental reforms to convince investors that Iraq is really "open for business."

  • Tracking the Global Economic Recovery: Insights on the IMF's New World Economic Outlook

    Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Tracking the Global Economic Recovery: Insights on the IMF's New World Economic Outlook
    In May 2009, Laurence Chandy, Geoffrey Gertz and Johannes Linn examined the global impact of the financial crisis based on data from the IMF’s April World Economic Outlook (WEO). Following the release of a new WEO database released earlier this month, they appraise their previous assertions and analyze the salient features of the global economic recovery.

  • U.S. Private Philanthropy

    Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    U.S. Private Philanthropy
    A striking gap has emerged in the United States between official government aid and private aid. As the U.S. government reviews its external development assistance, some believe the deliberations will not reflect how those outside Washington think about development. Homi Kharas discusses what motivates private aid donors and the impact they make.

  • Expanding the Financial Services Frontier: Lessons From Mobile Phone Banking in Kenya

    Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Expanding the Financial Services Frontier: Lessons From Mobile Phone Banking in Kenya
    Access to financial services is crucial to economic growth and poverty reduction, yet a large proportion of households in developing countries lack access to financial services. Brookings expert Mwangi Kimenyi and Njuguna S. Ndung’u, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, discuss the Kenyan experience with mobile phone banking and how this technology can expand the financial services frontier.

  • Africa's (Large)4 Problem

    Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Africa's (Large)<sup>4</sup> Problem
    There is wide agreement that the African developmental problem is largely rooted in its institutions. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses the link between size and the quality of governance in African countries.

  • Case Study on Aid Effectiveness in Tajikistan

    Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Official Development Aid grew significantly from 1992 to 2006; and transformed from mostly humanitarian aid and food assistance to financing the reforms and development of Tajikistan. In this case study, Rustam Aminjanov, Matin Kholmatov, and Firuz Kataev present Tajikistan's perspective of, experiences with, and challenges to foreign aid.

  • Do Philanthropic Citizens Behave Like Governments?

    Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Do Philanthropic Citizens Behave Like Governments?
    Rapid growth in private development aid raises a host of questions regarding the allocation of aid and its selectivity across recipient countries. Raj Desai and Homi Kharas analyze giving patterns from two large, internet-based non-profit organizations and discuss the need for private and official aid partnerships.

  • Contemporary Development Challenges in Kenya

    Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • October 01, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

    In October 2009 a high-level delegation of officials from the office of the president and government of Kenya visited the Brookings Institution. The event, which was hosted by the Africa Growth Initiative, included discussion on the key political, economic, and social challenges currently affecting Kenya’s development.

  • Nigerian Foreign Minister Chief Ojo Maduekwe on the Nigeria-U.S. Partnership

    Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:15:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • September 30, 2009, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM

    On September 30, the Brookings Institution hosted Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the foreign minister of Nigeria, for a conversation on the U.S.-Nigeria partnership, and the challenges and opportunities for democratic and economic reform and regional stability in Africa's most populous country.

  • Non-G-20 Developing Countries and the G-20 Summit: Perspectives on Global Leadership

    Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    What did the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit offer non-G-20 developing countries? Homi Kharas examines the Summit talks and how the interests of developing countries in this group were not adequately addressed.

  • Universal Education is an Investment for America

    Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Universal Education is an Investment for America
    President Obama's speech at the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 stressed the importance of international development in a globalized world. Rebecca Winthrop outlines the benefits to Americans of supporting international development causes, with particular attention to universal education.

  • The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries

    Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The 0.85 Percent Solution for Low-Income Countries
    A topic of discussion at previous G-20 summits, IBRD resources are central to helping poor countries survive this economic crisis. Homi Kharas discusses the importance of making IBRD resources much more widely available to promote development and urges G-20 leaders to continue talks about this issue at the summit in Pittsburgh.

  • Combating Judicial Corruption in Uganda

    Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Combating Judicial Corruption in Uganda
    The challenges that the judiciary system in Uganda has faced are well known, but the country has come a long way from that past. In a new paper, Cynthia Baldwin proposes a four-part approach to control judicial corruption.

  • President Obama and the Spirit of Global Development Partnership

    Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    President Obama and the Spirit of Global Development Partnership
    The key feature of President Obama's speech on September 22 at the Clinton Global Initiative was a call for a new spirit of global partnership, with respect to aiding the world's poor and countering transnational treats. Noam Unger discusses steps the U.S. government could take to advance global development efforts.

  • Three Reasons the Americans Should Support Global Education

    Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Three Reasons the Americans Should Support Global Education
    One year after committing to a $2 billion Global Fund for Education, President Obama returned to the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22 to speak about international development. Rebecca Winthrop discusses the importance of renewing the commitment to education in the developing world and its relevance to all Americans.

  • The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Revisiting Egypt in the Wake of the Downturn

    Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The Middle East and the New Global Economy: Revisiting Egypt in the Wake of the Downturn
    As leaders from the Group of Twenty (G-20) nations prepare to meet to take stock of the world's economy, the Middle East finds itself increasingly influenced by global trends and policies. Brookings expert Tarik Yousef and professor Ragui Assaad discuss Egypt's responses to the downturn and its future role in the global economy.

  • Obama's Commitment to the World's Children

    Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Obama's Commitment to the World's Children
    One year after making a major commitment to give every child the chance to attend school, President Barak Obama addressed the opening session at the Clinton Global Initiative's 2009 Annual Meeting on September 22. David Gartner discusses the urgency of the Global Fund for Education's creation and the unique opportunity Obama has to lead the world towards universal education.

  • G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis

    Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    G-20 Summit: Recovering from the Crisis
    On September 24, President Obama will chair his first G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the world economy improving, leaders will now focus their attention on economic recovery and restoring financial stability. Experts from Brookings Global Economy and Development program analyze top issues to be addressed at the summit and provide recommendations on how to effectively overcome global economic and governance challenges to ensure recovery now and to prevent future crises.

  • Climate Change Policy: Recommendations to Reach Consensus

    Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Climate Change Policy: Recommendations to Reach Consensus
    As the financial crisis continues to take its toll on the global economy, another serious challenge looms large: preventing the planet from warming more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Brookings experts and colleagues from the public and private sectors develop strategies and provide recommendations to policymakers who are now faced with the daunting task of stabilizing the climate without dampening economic recovery.

  • Four Ways to Help Africa?

    Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Four Ways to Help Africa?
    In response to a Wall Street Journal article by former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer, Brookings expert Mwangi Kimenyi urges that U.S. policy toward Africa should be defined by a sustainable agenda whose focus is economic development.

  • A Global Fund for Education: Achieving Education for All

    Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    A Global Fund for Education: Achieving Education for All
    In order to realize the world’s commitment to ensuring education for all by 2015, important innovations and reforms will be needed in the governance and financing of global education. David Gartner advises that the Global Fund for Education holds the key and outlines a set of core principles to guide the fund.

  • Quality and Coordination of Official Development Aid in Pakistan

    Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Quality and Coordination of Official Development Aid in Pakistan
    Pakistan has historically received large volumes of aid but it has also faced an increasingly difficult task of aid coordination. Abdul Malik examines aid quality and discusses its implication for the coordination and effectiveness of aid.

  • Making Africa a Priority in U.S. Foreign Assistance

    Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Making Africa a Priority in U.S. Foreign Assistance
    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's multi-nation tour of Africa highlights America's development aid imbalance. Last year, the United States directed almost three-quarters of its resources to countries that are not among the poorest in the world. David Gartner argues that a greater focus on the least developed countries, especially those in Africa, would yield enormous progress toward reducing global poverty.

  • A Nigerian-American Partnership Beckons

    Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    A Nigerian-American Partnership Beckons
    Following State Hillary Clinton's visit to Nigeria at the end of her 11-day tour of African nations, Richard Joseph says that Nigeria has a historic opportunity to address its myriad problems. "Nigeria and the United States," Joseph writes, "could initiate a new era of cooperation based on shared commitments to constitutional democracy, the strengthening of open, multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies and laying the foundations for sustainable and equitable growth."

  • Africa and the Obama Administration

    Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:44:47 GMT

    Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 11-day visit to select African nations wraps up this week, her longest overseas mission as America's top diplomat. Ernest Aryeetey says African nations view Secretary Clinton’s trip so early in her term as a smart move, adding her visit instills a sense of optimism about U.S.-Africa relations.

  • African Growth and Opportunity Act: A Case of Vanishing Benefits

    Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    African Growth and Opportunity Act: A Case of Vanishing Benefits
    In August, high-level delegations of government, private sector and civil society representatives from the United States and sub-Saharan Africa met in Nairobi for the eighth annual forum on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Mwangi Kimenyi reflects on the success of AGOA and how the forum can be a chance to focus on making Africa competitive.

  • Climate Crisis, Credit Crisis: Overcoming Obstacles to Build a Climate Resilient World

    Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • July 30, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
    • August 01, 2009, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM

    Forty experts gathered for the Brookings Blum Roundtable to discuss the impact of climate change and the global financial crisis on the world's poor. The experts formed recommendations for global leaders as they prepare to meet in Copenhagen in December to address solutions to global climate change.

  • Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies

    Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Climate Change and Vulnerable Societies
    Kemal Derviş testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on America’s critical role in supporting climate change adaptation in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Derviş stressed that although global economies are facing serious financial challenges, time is of the essence to protect those most affected. He provided recommendations to enact globally acceptable and enforceable policies to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Aid Coordination on the Ground: Are Joint Country Assistance Strategies the Answer?

    Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Aid Coordination on the Ground: Are Joint Country Assistance Strategies the Answer?
    The dilemma of what to do about aid fragmentation remains a challenge. In a new working paper, Johannes Linn discusses comprehensive approaches to aid coordination and how joint country assistance strategies could be an effective strategy.

  • President Obama's Agenda Needs Greater Focus on Global Development

    Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    President Obama's Agenda Needs Greater Focus on Global Development
    Although the Obama administration faces serious challenges at home and abroad, Homi Kharas, Johannes Linn and Noam Unger call for greater attention to the world's poor. The experts provide recommendations on how the Obama administration can begin to improve America's critical role in global development.

  • Effective Development Assistance Through Competition

    Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Effective Development Assistance Through Competition
    It is now generally accepted that development interventions can only be successful and sustainable if they are accepted by stakeholders and implemented in accordance with local institutions, culture and norms. In this policy brief, Clifford Zinnes, answering the demand for foreign aid alternatives, assesses a new class of "tournament" approaches that promise to improve on the lackluster performance of conventional methods.

  • Ghana: Obama Visits a Hopeful Nation on a Troubled Continent

    Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Ghana: Obama Visits a Hopeful Nation on a Troubled Continent
    Ghanaians welcomed President Obama’s visit in July, making it the only African stop after his European trip. Ghana, regarded as a “beacon of democracy” in Africa, still has room for growth with 40 percent of its people living in poverty. Richard Joseph argues that Ghana could lead a new wave of accelerated and sustainable development and that Obama's support could inspire a transformation across the continent.

  • Can the G8 Lead in IMF Reform?

    Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Can the G8 Lead in IMF Reform?
    Domenico Lombardi questions whether the G8 is leading the discussion on critical IMF governance reform and claims that the G20 may be better equipped to mobilize these issues. While the G8 may no longer be the guiding force behind the reform of the Bretton Woods Institutions, Lombardi states that it does provide an informal framework to discuss issues of common responsibility among its members. For instance, the G8 Summit should focus on the declining aid flows to poor countries and fulfilling its previous commitments to aid African growth.

  • Will the G8 Deliver on Education for All?

    Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Will the G8 Deliver on Education for All?
    In 2000, leaders from the G8 Summit pledged to achieve universal basic education by 2015. Despite their commitments, donor assistance is declining and investments in education for the developing world are being cut, states David Gartner. He urges the G8 to make good on their promise and proposes President Obama to seize the moment of opportunity with a bold investment in education.

  • Building A Basis For Success in Afghanistan

    Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    While many of the military objectives have been determined in Afghanistan, Michael O'Hanlon believes there are many crucial decisions ahead regarding economic matters. O'Hanlon explores options ranging from increased foreign aid to developing free-trade agreements, and he offers suggestions for the challenges ahead.

  • G8 Africa Action Plan: Enhance Strategies for Development

    Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    G8 Africa Action Plan: Enhance Strategies for Development
    African development has been a top agenda item at previous G8 Summits, including the creation of the Africa Action Plan and increased financial commitments to support economic growth. Although the continent has seen some progress, Mwangi Kimenyi argues that more should be done and provides specific strategies for more effective development.

  • Governance Matters VIII: Aggregate and Individual Governance Indicators, 1996-2008

    Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay and Massimo Mastruzzi release Governance Matters VIII: Governance Indicators for 1996-2008. By updating the Worldwide Governance Indicators, the authors measure institutional quality, governance and the investment climate across 212 countries worldwide to show that good governance has a strong, positive impact on development.

  • Governance Matters 2009: Learning From Over a Decade of the Worldwide Governance Indicators

    Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Governance Matters 2009: Learning From Over a Decade of the Worldwide Governance Indicators
    Policy analysts, civil society groups and aid donors agree that good governance is critical for sustainable economic development. Yet, improving governance and fighting corruption is not always a priority, highlighting serious challenges in global economics. Daniel Kaufmann, Aart Kraay and Massimo Mastruzzi, authors of Governance Matters VIII and the updated Worldwide Governance Indicators, analyze evidence from 212 countries that shows good governance has a strong, positive impact on development.

  • An Education Stimulus for the Developing World

    Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    An Education Stimulus for the Developing World
    In this economic crisis many low-income countries are forced to cut back on vital investments in education. David Gartner urges that new guidance by Congress to the IMF could make a real difference in giving low-income countries the ability to invest in their own children.

  • The Global Economic Crisis and Failed States

    Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The Global Economic Crisis and Failed States
    Already precariously dependent on commodities before 2008, the world's fragile states have been critically hit by the global financial crisis. In a recent article in Foreign Policy Magazine, Homi Kharas notes that a number of them are likely to suffer declines in real per capita income through 2010 as a result of the global recession and commodity price declines.

  • International Policy Workshop on Aid Effectiveness

    Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • June 15, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • June 16, 2009, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

    From June 15-16, 2009, around 40 participants gathered at a workshop in Berlin to discuss aid effectiveness. The diversity of the group reflects the changing and increasingly diverse landscape that is reshaping the key issues in aid effectiveness.

  • Democratic Elections and Coalition Government? A View from Kenya

    Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • June 12, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

    On June 12, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings hosted Dr. Constance Freeman, regional director for East and Southern Africa of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Nairobi who led a roundtable discussion on the recent elections in Kenya.

  • New Global Trade Structures and the New Role of the U.S. Economy

    Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The response to the economic crisis by President Obama and American consumers indicate that global trade structures may be permanently altered. CNAPS Guest Scholar Naoki Abe explains that the government’s massive intervention in the economy will not be permanent, but that it must set the stage for the U.S. and other advanced economies to increase exports.

  • Obama's Call for Educating Women

    Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Obama's Call for Educating Women
    President Obama's words in his historic Cairo address have raised the hopes of millions of girls around the world. David Gartner discusses how the president's call for educating women is a commitment that can be fulfilled through the creation of a Global Fund for Education.

  • Tracking the Global Financial Crisis: An Analysis of the IMF's World Economic Outlook

    Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Tracking the Global Financial Crisis: An Analysis of the IMF's World Economic Outlook
    The IMF's flagship publication, the World Economic Outlook (WEO), marks the most extensive effort to measure the health of the global economy since the outbreak of the financial crisis. Analyzing the WEO's projections, the Wolfensohn Center's Laurence Chandy, Geoffrey Gertz and Johannes Linn examine the countries and regions hit worst by the downturn and assess the lasting impact on the global economy.

  • Economic Transformation and Developmental Governance in Nigeria: The Promise of the Obama Era

    Thu, 21 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Nigeria, which has long struggled with governance issues and poverty, is in need of a profound economic transformation. In the inaugural BusinessDay Scholars in Society Forum in Lagos, Nigeria, Richard Joseph addressed the different challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on the country's path to economic growth and prosperity.

  • Diplomacy and Development in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Senator John Kerry

    Thu, 21 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • May 21, 2009, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

    Experts have called for U.S. foreign assistance—and specifically the U.S. effort to support global development—to be reformed in order to become more strategic, coherent and effective. On May 21, the Brookings Institution hosted Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for a discussion of U.S. foreign assistance reform and the importance of foreign relations authorization.

  • Thresholds in the Process of International Financial Integration

    Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Thresholds in the Process of International Financial Integration
    The financial crisis has re-ignited the debate about the merits of financial globalization and its implications for growth, especially for developing countries. In a new paper, Eswar Prasad and co-authors present a framework for certain economic “thresholds,” such as institutional quality, that once met, can increase the benefits of financial openness.

  • Stuck in the Middle: Is Fiscal Policy Failing the Middle Class?

    Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • May 15, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

    The economic well-being of the middle class can be crucial to the success of economic policies in both developed and developing countries. Yet many public policies are not aimed at the middle class. On May 15, Brookings hosted a discussion on the need to assess how fiscal policy affects the middle class around the world.

  • Scaling Up Early Child Development in the Developing World

    Mon, 04 May 2009 08:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • May 04, 2009, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
    • May 05, 2009, 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM

    The Early Child Development Initiative at the Wolfensohn Center for Development at Brookings hosted a two-day conference to feature the project’s first five country case studies on the scale up of Early Child Development (ECD) in the developing world. Country authors presented their findings on the process of scaling up ECD in Cuba, Madagascar, South Africa, Macedonia and the Philippines.

  • Action on Aid: Steps Toward Making Aid More Effective

    Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Action on Aid: Steps Toward Making Aid More Effective
    World leaders at the G-20 London Summit and the World Bank and IMF spring meetings responded to the urgent needs of the world’s poorest countries impacted by the global economic crisis with new financial commitments and pledges. Homi Kharas argues that full recovery from the crisis and future successful development ultimately requires reducing aid volatility and enhancing aid flow coordination.

  • A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Ethiopia

    Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Ethiopia
    International aid has significantly impacted Ethiopia's development initiatives since the end of World War II, and Ethiopia has been a major recipient of foreign aid in recent times. Project consultant Getnet Alemu examines the country’s aid flows—predominantly assisting Ethiopia's health sector—and argues that although aid has been instrumental in the country's development, donor coordination has been challenging.

  • Civil-Military Relations, Fostering Development, and Expanding Civilian Capacity

    Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Civil-Military Relations, Fostering Development, and Expanding Civilian Capacity
    Critical stabilization and reconstruction missions abroad must not only be viewed through the lenses of short-term goals or military operations, but as a key step in supporting sustainable economic development. In a workshop report, Noam Unger and Frederick Barton explore ways to rebalance American statecraft by strengthening civilian stabilization and development capacity within the U.S. government.

  • Financial Globalization and Economic Policies

    Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Financial Globalization and Economic Policies
    In a new working paper, Eswar Prasad and co-authors examine the economic policies that can help developing countries manage the process of financial globalization and recommend a tailored approach to balance the risks and benefits of financial integration.

  • The Summit of the Americas and Regional Development Banks

    Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:51:07 GMT

    Mauricio Cárdenas, director of the Latin America Initiative, says the focus of the fifth Summit of the Americas will be the global economic crisis. He also explains that the nations need to agree on strengthening regional development banks and that certain countries need open trade.

  • President Obama and the Summit of the Americas

    Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    President Obama and the Summit of the Americas
    Key differences persist among the many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In the leadup to the fifth Summit of the Americas, Abraham Lowenthal says Obama would do well to remember Ronald Reagan's comment on returning from his first trip to South America as president: "These Latin American countries are all very different from each other."

  • Previewing the Summit of the Americas

    Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • April 14, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

    The Obama administration faces a number of challenges in Latin America. The fifth Summit of the Americas offers leaders of the Western Hemisphere an opportunity to partner on a new and robust agenda that spans global economic, social, energy and climate change issues. On April 14, Brookings experts discussed the critical issues facing the leaders attending the summit and proposed recommendations for action.

  • The Fifth Summit of the Americas: Recommendations for Action

    Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The Fifth Summit of the Americas: Recommendations for Action
    Leaders of the Western Hemisphere gathered in Trinidad and Tobago on April 17-19, 2009 for the fifth Summit of the Americas. In a series of commentary articles focused on the summit's agenda and key challenges, Brookings experts discuss critical economic, social, energy and climate change issues facing the leaders attending the summit and propose recommendations for policy action.

  • The Summit of the Americas and Democracy

    Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:57:55 GMT

    In previewing the fifth Summit of the Americas, Ted Piccone notes that popular support for democracy and good governance is widespread in Latin America and that the United States has an opportunity to fix its approach to democracy assistance.

  • The Scouting Report: Previewing the Summit of the Americas

    Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • April 08, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

    The Obama administration faces any number of challenges in Latin America, from Cuba to Colombia, from Bolivia to Venezuela. Mauricio Cárdenas previewed the upcoming Summit of the Americas and took your questions on U.S. policy in the region during a live web chat with Politico's Fred Barbash.

  • "Smart Aid" for Africa

    Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The debate has heated up over whether western foreign aid has done Africa more harm than good. In an interview with Chicago Public Radio’s Worldview, Richard Joseph discusses the approach of "smart aid" and how a focus on incentives and accountability will lead to smart thinking about aid.

  • The London G-20 Summit: Addressing the Global Financial Crisis

    Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:43:39 GMT

    On April 2, leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies will begin talks in London to focus on solutions for the global financial crisis. Johannes Linn previews the meeting and says there a number of actions they must agree on to help mitigate the economic crisis.

  • What Works in Development? : Thinking Big and Thinking Small

    Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT


    What Works in Development? brings together leading experts to address one of the most basic yet vexing issues in development: what do we really know about what works -- and what doesn't -- in fighting global poverty?

  • Global Development 2.0: An Expanding Ecosystem

    Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Global Development 2.0: An Expanding Ecosystem
    While there is much to celebrate about the burgeoning aid landscape, there is also much to learn and do. In an article in InterAction's Monday Developments, Noam Unger and Abigail Jones argue that if new and traditional players collaborate effectively, their efforts could be more than the sum of the parts.

  • Reform the IMF and World Bank

    Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Reform of the IMF and World Bank is one of the tasks for the G-20 Summit in London. Johannes Linn suggests steps for critical action to help ensure early recovery from the current global financial crisis and the future capabilities of these institutions.

  • The G-20 London Summit 2009

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The G-20 London Summit 2009
    Leaders of the Group of 20 (G-20) countries met in London on April 2 for their second summit on the global financial crisis. In a new set of articles, Brookings experts addressed the critical issues for policy-makers and offered guidelines for more effective global coordination.

  • The G-20 Summit and the Financial Crisis’ Impact on Latin America

    Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:39:12 GMT

    As the global economic crisis continues, Mauricio Cárdenas says emerging economies in Latin America and elsewhere are hit especially hard. He says G-20 members must urge the multilateral banks to continue lending to the region and adds that without such assistance the crisis will only worsen.

  • The Developing Countries and the G-20

    Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Although few developing countries have systemic importance in terms of aggregate world demand, they need supportive global policy action for systemic economic reasons. Kemal Derviş recommends that they should request IMF reforms, greater fiscal support, and more humanitarian development assistance at the G-20 London Summit.

  • Aid Effectiveness and Governance: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

    Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Aid Effectiveness and Governance: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
    The effectiveness of development aid has historically been mixed. In a new article, Senior Fellow Daniel Kaufmann discusses recent aid effectiveness initiatives, the gulf between current aid strategies and the new reality of aid, and offers proposals for next steps to improve efforts.

  • Obama Should Meet African Ministers Before G20 Summit

    Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    President Barack Obama's election held potential promise for Africa, but attention to many key areas of development has been diverted by pressing U.S. domestic issues. Richard Joseph recommends that a side meeting in London, before the G20 Summit, between Obama and several African finance ministers could yield concrete suggestions for urgent action.

  • Protectionism Is on the Rise: Antidumping Import Investigations

    Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Protectionism Is on the Rise: Antidumping Import Investigations
    In a special VoxEU.org compilation of research and analysis to address the negative effects of the financial crisis on global trade, Chad Bown examines the increase in protectionism and antidumping among WTO members.

  • Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Climate Negotiations

    Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • March 04, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

    With President Barack Obama’s commitment to positioning the United States as a leader on climate change action, the expectations are high in the international community that a post-Kyoto climate agreement will be successfully negotiated in Copenhagen in December. On March 4, Brookings hosted a discussion with top officials and experts on the world’s ability to address climate change.

  • The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Low-income Countries

    Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    At a Brookings Institution discussion that featured IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Mauricio Cárdenas spoke on how the global financial crisis has impacted Latin America and addressed stimulus plans and challenges.

  • A Conversation with Dominique Strauss-Kahn on the Impact of the Financial Crisis on Low-Income Countries

    Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:30:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • March 03, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

    On March 3, Brookings hosted Dominique Strauss-Kahn, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, for a discussion on the impact of the fiancial crisis on low-income countries.

  • Climate Change and Global Poverty : A Billion Lives in the Balance?

    Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT


    Climate Change and Global Poverty: A Billion Lives in the Balance? draws on expertise from the climate change and development communities to ask how the public and private sectors can help the world's poor manage the global climate crisis.

  • Can China Grow Itself Out of Trouble?

    Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    In an interview in the Straits Times, Wing Thye Woo discusses China's growth prospects during the global financial crisis, including the potential for sustainable development, and issues related to China’s currency valuation and current account surpluses.

  • World Bank Reform: Proposals for the Next G-20 Summit

    Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    World Bank Reform: Proposals for the Next G-20 Summit
    The April 2, 2009 G-20 Summit should focus on easing the impact of the global financial crisis—particularly on the world’s poor. Leading up to the summit, Johannes Linn lists recommendations for critical World Bank reform so that the global institution can aid the developing world during this time of crisis.

  • The Arab World's (Uneven) Progress

    Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Mired in conflict, afflicted by joblessness, frustrated by unresponsive and oppressive governments, and flooded with images of woe, the world's 22 Arab nations have much to lament, writes Kristin Lord. Yet these societies are also making rapid, if insufficient, progress that Lord argues will determine the future of the region.

  • The Great Stability is Over: The Poverty Trap Facing Low-Income Countries

    Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Homi Kharas analyzes the impact of the financial crisis on developing countries—from declining economic growth forecasts to cutbacks in development assistance. He argues that greater attention should be paid to managing risk in low income countries and developing countercyclical instruments in the international institutions to aid the developing world.

  • The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Africa

    Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • February 13, 2009, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

    On February 13, 2009, the Brookings Global Economy and Development program hosted a luncheon to introduce Dr. Ernest Aryeetey, Director of the new Africa Growth Initiative, and to discuss the impact of the financial crisis on Africa.

  • Nigeria's Great Opportunity

    Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Nigeria possesses abundant assets to meet the economic challenges. Richard Joseph urges Nigerians to continue on the course of sustainable development efforts.

  • The Financial Crisis, a Development Emergency, and the Need for Aid

    Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    The Financial Crisis, a Development Emergency, and the Need for Aid
    Affected by the financial crisis, the world’s poorest countries are facing a development emergency. Cutbacks in foreign aid and devalued currencies are wiping out aid contributions that supply the world’s poor with basic necessities—food, education, and healthcare. Billions of aid dollars are sitting in Washington, ready for disbursement but hindered by bureaucracy. Homi Kharas outlines steps to accelerate the disbursement of this aid so that poor countries can receive the help they need.

  • Connecting Central Asia with the World

    Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Johannes Linn examines the impact of the global economic crisis on Central Asia—a transit and natural resource hub in the Eurasian super-continent. He assesses the region’s needs for economic integration and cooperation with the rest of the world.

  • Double Jeopardy: What the Climate Crisis Means for the Poor

    Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Double Jeopardy: What the Climate Crisis Means for the Poor
    Climate change and global development are two of the most critical challenges facing global policymakers. In a new report, "Double Jeopardy: What the Climate Crisis Means for the Poor" Brookings experts detail these interrelated issues based on discussions at the most recent Brookings Blum Roundtable on Poverty, featuring Dr. Steven Chu and former Vice President Al Gore, among others.

  • Corruption and the Global Financial Crisis

    Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Corruption and the Global Financial Crisis
    As the Obama administration announces new rules for lobbyists, particularly focused on stimulus funds, Brookings expert Daniel Kaufmann examines the role that corruption and influence have played in the global financial crisis, and suggests ways policymakers should address these issues in future regulation.

  • A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Kenya

    Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    A Case Study of Aid Effectiveness in Kenya
    Because foreign aid to Kenya is highly volatile and fragmented, efforts are being made to coordinate and harmonize aid allocations. Project consultant Francis M. Mwega analyzes these efforts and focuses on the health sector to compare and contrast trends and experiences. This case study highlights the innovations and competencies that have developed over time to respond to the challenges in development aid.

  • Latin America's Economic Outlook for 2009: No Time for Optimism

    Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Latin America's Economic Outlook for 2009: No Time for Optimism
    What is the forecast for Latin American economies in 2009? Brookings Fellow Mauricio Cardenas and Arturo Galindo of the Inter-American Development Bank explain why the Latin America economic outlook for 2009 does not appear particularly grim—and even offers the prospect of limited but continued growth—despite the sharp recession in the U.S., a key influencer on the region's economic growth patterns.

  • The Economics of Happiness in Latin America

    Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 GMT

    Event Information:

    • January 21, 2009, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

    In spite of the challenges posed by poverty and high levels of inequality in Latin America, studies show its people are generally happy and continue to support market reforms and democracy. Yet, in the midst of the global financial crisis, will this trend shift in Latin America? On January 21, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a discussion on the current trends in the region in terms of economic growth, inflation, unemployment and the financial crisis, based on the most recent evaluations from a new approach in economics: the economics of happiness.

  • Institutions Versus Policies: A Tale of Two Islands

    Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

    Institutions Versus Policies: A Tale of Two Islands
    A long line of work emphasizes the correlation between institutions and economic performance. In a new working paper, Peter Blair Henry and Conrad Miller explore this relationship on two Caribbean islands and how economic policy decisions can have permanent effect on a country's general economic well being.

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