Tens of millions of children across Latin America and the Caribbean will be returning to school in 2021 and 2022, handicapped by learning losses from COVID-19 shutdowns that have lasted longer than in any other region of the world. Very young children, those from vulnerable and rural households, and those with learning difficulties, will face particularly daunting challenges: … [Read more...] about Boosting Literacy Amid the Educational Crisis of COVID-19
Digitalization of Public Services: A Panacea?
Digitalization might seem to be the solution to many ills facing society. From the virtual classrooms that provide education to children in remote areas, to the telemedicine that facilitates access to health care and crowdsourcing to promote citizen participation in policy debates, it might even seem like a panacea. But digitalization's effectiveness depends on the ability … [Read more...] about Digitalization of Public Services: A Panacea?
Do Air Pollution Alerts Work to Change Behavior and Reduce Exposure?
The World Health Organization calls air pollution the number one environmental threat to health in the Americas. More than 60,000 people in Latin America died prematurely from exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone in 2010. And with an increasing number of vehicles on the region's roads, lax or non-existent emissions standards, and more frequent wildfires, the number of … [Read more...] about Do Air Pollution Alerts Work to Change Behavior and Reduce Exposure?
What the Pandemic Revealed about the Role of Trust in Public Sector Performance
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, public sector employees were on the front line, crucial to policies to limit the contagion and alleviate its economic effects. Collaboration—and hence trust—was essential. Whether working in public health agencies or in communications roles, public sector employees had to work together to implement decisions made at the political level. They had … [Read more...] about What the Pandemic Revealed about the Role of Trust in Public Sector Performance
Productivity Growth at the Sectoral Level and the Road to Recovery from COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted one the largest and most intricate economic disruptions in modern history. Latin America and the Caribbean, with 8% of the world's population but more than 25% of its deaths, was particularly hard hit, and unfortunately, the war against the virus is far from over. Even before the health crisis subsides, however, much work needs to be done. … [Read more...] about Productivity Growth at the Sectoral Level and the Road to Recovery from COVID-19