Replenish, Disburse, and Deliver: How the World Bank’s IDA21 can strengthen education and early childhood development – World

Extreme Poverty and Climate Impacts in Low-Income Countries

According to the World Bank’s projections, up to two-thirds of those living in extreme poverty globally will live in fragile, conflict, and violence (FCV) affected countries by 2030, the target year for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Opportunity for IDA Resourcing

With 80% of extreme poverty concentrated in the 13 countries defined as least developed countries by the United Nations, there is an opportunity for the International Development Association (IDA) to fill the longer-term gaps that are not currently addressed under humanitarian response. This opportunity aligns with the Bank’s mission to eliminate extreme poverty on a livable planet and relies on a replenished and reformed IDA that can finance and deliver results in FCV settings.

The Neglect of Education and Child Development Services

Crisis and conflict are depriving 43 million displaced children of the essential building blocks they need to thrive. School closures and interruptions have become the norm due to rising rates of conflict and climate disasters. The neglect of education and child development services in humanitarian settings, which receive only 2-3% of humanitarian aid, highlights the urgent need to reshape investment in FCV contexts.

The Call for Action

As discussions for IDA replenishment continue, the World Bank must take the lead in navigating, adapting to, and delivering services to children and caregivers in crisis contexts, especially those most affected by climate change. However, the Bank’s current operating model for investing in education and early childhood development (ECD) in FCV settings does not effectively reach those living in extreme poverty. The “disbursement gaps” reveal the challenges the Bank faces in delivering aid, including the limitations of its government-first approach.

New Approaches and Partnerships

The Bank must explore new ways of partnering with non-government actors in conflict-affected countries to reach those who are left furthest behind. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) offers valuable lessons from its program Ahlan Simsim, the largest ECD program in humanitarian response, on how to reach different population types through both government and non-government channels. Additionally, the IRC’s new program CREST connects early-action approaches with parametric climate insurance to increase the availability and speed of funding for communities affected by climate-related school closures.

Recommendations for the World Bank

• Use robust IDA funds to provide long-term financing for the inclusion of displaced populations in the national education and care systems of least-developed countries.
• Strengthen reliance on non-government partnerships to improve the reach and delivery of World Bank education and early childhood projects in FCV settings.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere
   • Indicator: Projections by the World Bank show that up to two-thirds of those living in extreme poverty globally will live in fragile, conflict, and violence (FCV) affected countries by 2030.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education
   • Indicator: The neglect of education and child development services in humanitarian settings, which receive between 2-3% of humanitarian aid.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
   • Indicator: Rising rates of conflict and climate disasters are making school closures and interruptions the norm.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
   • Indicator: The IRC calls on the World Bank to strengthen its reliance on non-government partnerships to improve the reach and delivery of World Bank education and early childhood projects in FCV settings.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: reliefweb.int

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.