Thank you very much Mr. High Commissioner On behalf of the World Bank, I am very pleased to be here at this dialogue and to contribute to this important discussion on strengthening development cooperation to advance protection, inclusion and solutions for the forcibly displaced. I would like as well to thank you, Mr. High Commissioner and Antoinette from the IMF, for highlighting our cooperation with your respective organizations. I would as well like to highlight your earlier statement about the importance of inclusion and its links with development and protection.
Mr. Chairman, as mentioned earlier in the discussion, forced displacement is not only a humanitarian concern but as well a development challenge. As mentioned by Hervé, over 74% of the forcibly displaced live in low- and middle-income countries that are struggling to meet their own development needs and debt vulnerabilities as mentioned earlier by the IMF. Accommodating the sudden arrival of newcomers presents a challenge, straining basic services and infrastructure. Moreover, the protracted nature of displacement requires responses that are long-term. As part of a global effort, the World Bank Group is focused on addressing the broader social and economic priorities of governments that will help both the displaced and their hosts.
Adequate longer-term financing for host countries is an important part of the solution—and the World Bank is providing financing to low and middle-income countries through IDA’s Window for Host Communities and Refugees and the Global Concessional Financing Facility. Together, both facilities over the past six years have provided more than US$5 billion in concessional and grant financing to support governments.
But Mr. Chairman, the World Bank’s efforts go beyond financing. Some host countries have taken the lead to better manage these crises through policy reforms that target inclusion of refugees in labor markets, health, education, social protection and financial systems.
Accordingly, the World Bank has made a commitment that by the end of 2025, at least 60 percent of countries eligible to the Window for Host Communities and Refugees will be implementing refugee policy reforms. So, over the next two days we will have an opportunity to advance the discussions on how humanitarian and development cooperation can improve inclusion, encourage better data and evidence including through the JDC, our Joint Data Center that you mentioned and promote private sector cooperation. Our next World Bank Development Report, which we will present later today, explores some of the ways that we can improve the management of refugee crises and address protracted situations.
Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, on behalf of the World Bank, I would like to reiterate our commitment to support hosting countries in their efforts to work alongside partners towards long-term solutions for displaced populations.
Thank you.
