End Poverty Day (EPD) is here again!
This year, the World Bank Group’s global messages will be driven from content and analysis of a new World Bank study entitled Fair Progress? Educational Mobility Around the World. The report explores whether those born in poverty or in prosperity are destined to remain in the same economic circumstances into which they were born, and looks back over a half a century at whether children’s lives are better or worse than their parents’ in different parts of the world. The report looks at an issue that has gained much attention in the developed world, but with, for the first time, new data and analysis covering most of the developing world. It posits that Education, while not the only determinant of the next generation’s economic status, is likely to continue to play a key role in whether people can move up and out of poverty. It reminds us that poverty and low parental education reinforce each other in poorer countries, creating vast inequalities and exacerbating already low prospects of moving out of poverty.
As with previous years, the Africa Region is playing a key role in observing the Day, through a wide range of Region-wide and country specific activities. A Video Conference connecting all AFR countries and Washington will delve into the global theme of Mobility, but focus on the subject of Social Inclusion, asking the fundamental question of how to close the generational gap between ‘haves and the have nots’ and elevate those left behind. It will also highlight concrete steps being taken by policy makers, communities, CSOs, FBOs, and Development Partners such as the World Bank Group in various countries to improve the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable. Case studies of best practices will be shared from the field and the Poverty and Social Inclusion teams in DC and in the Country Office will be at hand to help animate and enrich the dialogue. There will be interpretation in English and French, and the VC will be carried live on various online channels:
- English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWU0YAkzIZ0
- French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E151noZ-6IM
After the discussions, we will be launching a Social Inclusion Heroes Competition within the framework of the #AfricaCAN Initiative, as a way of recognizing and showcasing some of the great and innovative works people are doing in various countries to advance Social Inclusion.