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World Bank cautions on the threat of poverty

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By Okunloye Abiodun

Disparities between rich and poor nations could worsen poverty conditions.

At a conference of G20 finance ministers in India, Ajay Banga, the new head of the World Bank, cautioned that rising disparities between rich and poor nations could worsen poverty in the developing world. Many nations have not fully recovered from the global fuel and commodity price spikes caused by the coronavirus outbreak and the consequences of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, some of the poorest nations are being hit the worst by climate change. The president expressed concern that a lack of progress could lead to a gap in the global economy, which would have a negative impact on the world’s poor.

Banga addressed the two-day gathering of finance ministers and central bank chiefs in Gandhinagar, Gujarat state, that the issue that keeps him awake at night is the distrust that is quietly driving the Global North and South apart at a time when they ought to be together. The dissatisfaction felt by the Global South is understandable. Indian-born Banga, an American citizen who was nominated for the bank position by United States President Joe Biden and began working there last month, stated that these people are bearing a disproportionate share of the burden of their success.

Leaders should steer the global economy towards sustainable growth.

Despite being in a position of durability, they are frightened that the resources given to them will be redirected to the reconstruction of Ukraine; they believe that energy rules are not followed consistently, which limits their ambition; and they fear that another generation will be held back by poverty. The World Bank has stated that it is attempting to improve its financial capability through various means, such as raising hybrid capital from shareholders in order to stimulate growth and employment opportunities. However, the growth cannot come at the expense of the environment in the long run.

According to Banga, the essential truth is that they cannot survive another period of emission-intensive growth. Nirmala Sitharaman, the finance minister of India, the meeting’s chair and host, set the tone on Monday by reminding leaders of their duty to steer the global financial system towards robust, sustainable, balanced, and equitable growth. The United States estimates that $200 billion might be made available over the next decade if multilateral lenders like the World Bank and other regional institutions were reformed.

Over 50% of all low-income countries are close to or in debt crisis.

Deals to restructure the debt of countries with low incomes have been a primary priority of the Group of 20, which comprises the world’s 20 largest economies; yet, officials believe there has been very little progress. According to officials, China, which has the second-biggest economy in the world and is a significant lender to several distressed, low-income nations in Asia and Africa, has so far opposed any attempt to standardise the process of re-organising debt in a manner that would apply to all of these countries.

More so, Janet Yellen, the US Treasury Secretary, said over fifty percent of all low-income countries are close to or in debt crisis, which is double the amount in 2015. On Sunday, Yellen expressed concern that it had taken so long to reach an agreement on the debt of Zambia and expressed optimism that debt solutions for Ghana and Sri Lanka might be “finalised quickly.” Also, on Tuesday, the finance ministers of regional counterparts and neighbours India and China met behind closed doors.

They hope to reform multilateral development banks and cryptocurrency.

In addition to discussing how to finance better efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, the G20 has also discussed reforming multilateral development banks and regulating cryptocurrencies. The first step towards an equal distribution of tax revenues from multinational corporations, on which 138 countries finally agreed past week, will be implemented. With the current system in place, multinational corporations, and notably technology companies, can readily relocate earnings to countries with low tax rates, even if they only conduct a fraction of their activities there.


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AN-Toni
AN-Toni
Editor
4 months ago

World Bank cautions on the threat of poverty.Disparities between rich and poor nations could worsen poverty conditions.Express your point of view. 

Adeolastan
Adeolastan
Member
4 months ago

The World Bank’s warning about the threat of poverty is a timely reminder that we need to take urgent action to address the disparities between rich and poor nations. Poverty is a complex and multi-dimensional problem that affects millions of people around the world, and it’s important to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the deep inequalities that exist within and between countries, and it’s important to ensure that the recovery efforts are focused on addressing these disparities. We need to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and create an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.

However, it’s also important to recognize that poverty is not just an economic issue. It’s also a social and political issue, and we need to address the root causes of poverty if we want to make lasting progress. This means tackling issues like discrimination, corruption, and social exclusion, and creating a more equitable and just society.

Overall, the World Bank’s warning about the threat of poverty is an important reminder that we need to work together to address this global challenge. By investing in people and communities, and creating a more inclusive and sustainable world, we can help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling, and prosperous life.

Abusi
Abusi
Member
4 months ago

Poverty is a serious debacle in. Nigeria. It is no longer a threat. It has already eaten deep into our national fabric. We should just do the work to bring people out of it.

Haykaylyon26
Haykaylyon26
Member
4 months ago

It’s crucial to make sure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to prosper, and the World Bank’s warning about the threat of poverty, that we must move immediately to resolve the differences between affluent and poor nations.

Taiwoo
Taiwoo
Member
4 months ago

The World Bank’s warning that poverty poses a threat is an important cue that cooperation is required to overcome this global issue. To ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy a healthy, satisfying, and prosperous life, and work to build a world that is more equitable and environmentally friendly.

Kazeem1
Kazeem1
Member
4 months ago

In light of the World Bank’s warning about the threat of poverty, it is imperative to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to flourish. We also need to take quick action to bridge the gap between wealthy and developing countries.