Unpacking the Plastics Challenge

This expansion created new economic opportunities, closing the gender gap in account ownership, and building resilience at the household level to better manage financial shocks, according to the Global Findex 2021 database. As of 2021, 76% of adults globally now have an account at a bank, other financial institution, or with a mobile money provider, up from 68% in 2017. Importantly, growth in account ownership was evenly distributed across many more countries. 

The world is facing rising food prices that are hitting poor and developing countries hardest. Even before COVID-19 reduced incomes and disrupted supply chains, chronic and acute hunger were on the rise due to factors, including conflict, socio-economic conditions, natural hazards, climate change and pests. In this episode of The Development Podcast we explore the challenges potential solutions to the food price crisis and hear from a restaurant owner in Cairo who is struggling with the rising cost of bread.

The invasion in Ukraine will have far-reaching economic and social impacts - well beyond the immediate impact it is already having on the lives and livelihoods of those in the country. The World Bank Group continues to coordinate with Ukraine and other development partners to assess these costs and develop a robust response to help the Ukrainian people during this difficult period. Learn more.