“Ladies and gentlemen, please observe the following safety recommendations.” We have all heard those words when we are on board an airplane—in fact, many of us could probably recite from memory the cabin instructions from the flight attendant prior to take-off. But beyond that repetitive message, have you ever thought about what is behind those instructions? One thing is … [Read more...] about Risk management in development projects
Three reasons in favor of transparent, reproducible, and ethical research practices
The standards of what constitutes rigorous research are rising. In a response to what has been called a credibility crisis, entire scientific fields are calling for published research to more closely follow the scientific ideals most scientists learn early in their education. Following suit, the IDB, a leader in the generation of knowledge for Latin America, partnered with the … [Read more...] about Three reasons in favor of transparent, reproducible, and ethical research practices
The Challenge of Countercyclicality for Multilateral Development Banks
By Leopoldo Avellán and Arturo J. Galindo As established in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are expected to provide lending in the event of financial or economic shocks. Economists call this countercyclical lending. However, a recent study shows that while the MDB system as a whole acts countercyclically, in other words, lends … [Read more...] about The Challenge of Countercyclicality for Multilateral Development Banks
Five lessons for successful government partnerships
Governments in Latin America spend billions on social programs each year, reaching millions of people with critical public services. But can governments identify more cost-effective strategies to deliver these services? Relying on data and evidence to improve policy design and implementation is one way to ensure cost-effectiveness. Partnering with specialized organizations … [Read more...] about Five lessons for successful government partnerships
Ready to meet the SDGs together
In aiming to improve lives and protect the planet, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be designed with a single benefit in mind. Challenges such as civil conflict, forced displacement, environmental degradation, poverty and inequality are almost always mutually reinforcing. So are their solutions. To be effective the response must embrace economic, social and … [Read more...] about Ready to meet the SDGs together