The first meeting of the 17th Replenishment of IDA, the World Bank's Fund for the Poorest, took place in Paris, France from March 20 to 21, 2013. At the meeting, IDA Deputies from the 52 countries contributing to IDA sat down to discuss IDA's challenges and strategic directions, as well as the proposed special themes for IDA17: fragile states, gender, climate change, inclusive growth, and regional transformative initiatives. Also taking part in the meeting were representatives from all the regions with IDA Borrowers. Established in 1960, IDA aims to reduce poverty by providing loans (called “credits”) and grants for programs that boost economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve people’s living conditions. Since its inception, IDA has supported activities in 108 countries. Annual commitments have increased steadily and averaged about $15 billion over the last three years, with about 50 percent of that going to Africa.
To read about what IDA has funded, see www.worldbank.org/ida/results
