I worry for our world.
I see people flee countries mired in violence, conflict and chaos.
I see families trek hundreds of kilometers — migrating in search of food or a home
because cyclones, floods, drought, have devastated their lands.
I see masses of young people search desperately for work.
There are women and people with disabilities denied equal opportunities— education, access
to finance, and work.
And technology’s potential goes untapped, leaving people and countries disconnected.
And governments that are powerless, ineffective, in debt; no resources to invest in people
- to provide basic services, like health and education.
Problems so overwhelming, so complicated, so pressing – and no simple answers.
This isn’t a world I want my children to inherit.
I worry.
But I have…hope.
People give me hope.
That people will band together during crises to swiftly meet the needs of those in distress.
Hope that governments will be more responsive.
More effective.
I have hope because of development organizations like IDA,
with the experience and support,
critical to meeting complex challenges
in the world’s poorest countries.
Ideas.
Action.
IDA creates real impact: economic growth, better resilience, investment in people.
The results say it all.
A 20% increase in girls’ enrollment in primary education in Sub-Saharan Africa, generating
more opportunities for women.
Attracting private investment in countries ravaged by conflict
to secure local financing for small businesses,
support more affordable housing,
and help farmers reach new markets.
Making communities safer, more stable and more productive
with 70,000 ex-combatants demobilized and reintegrated back into society.
Providing over 650 million people with essential health services, creating a healthier workforce,
the foundation of strong economies.
And recruiting and training 8.5 million teachers, ensuring the workforce of tomorrow can adapt
to a changing world.
140,000 kilometers of roads have been built or improved with IDA support, connecting people
and goods to markets, ports, and the wider world.
And IDA is building resilience: 1 million people at risk from climate shocks now receive
early warnings on their mobile phones.
But it will take more than what one government, or business, or organization can do.
IDA connects and convenes.
It brings knowledge from around the globe into countries, working on the ground.
IDA has the broadest partnerships and the widest support:
Public and private sectors, civil society organizations, country and regional leaders
– the World comes together through IDA.
And that gives me hope.
That together, we have the answers, that we make a difference.
That together, the future will be better.
Support the best Ideas.
Support effective Action.
Support real Impact – Support IDA.