As Latin America and the Caribbean confronts one of the most severe economic downturns in its history, policymakers are looking ahead to what they must do in terms of fiscal and monetary policies to restore growth once the Covid-19 crisis passes. But one element that desperately needs more attention is the deep and chronic lack of trust in the region between citizens and … [Read more...] about The Elusive Quest for Growth: The Role of Trust
Amidst the Pandemic, A Battle for Inclusion
The year 2019 was the year anger over social issues took to the streets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Poverty and inequality in the region had fallen following the commodity boom of the 2000s, but more recent years of low growth brought that progress to a standstill. Mass frustration erupted. Amidst high youth unemployment and government-imposed adjustment programs, … [Read more...] about Amidst the Pandemic, A Battle for Inclusion
From Structures to Services: A New Vision for Infrastructure
Over the last 15 years, Latin America and the Caribbean has made substantial progress in expanding the reach of its infrastructure. Tens of millions of people were connected to clean water grids for the first time, and access to electricity became nearly universal, with low-income and peri-urban areas able to experience the novel pleasure of turning on the lights or running a … [Read more...] about From Structures to Services: A New Vision for Infrastructure
When Big Data and Machine Learning Spur Development Efforts
In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Haiti, flooding coasts, destroying crops, killing livestock, washing away roads and bridges, and destroying around 200,000 homes. International organizations, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank, rushed to supply immediate assistance. However, long-term recovery in the most affected regions … [Read more...] about When Big Data and Machine Learning Spur Development Efforts
How the Fall in Remittances During the Pandemic Threatens Regional Wellbeing
Remittances, transfers from expatriate workers to family and friends in their home countries, are a driving force in the reduction of poverty, greater financial inclusion and economic growth. They are especially critical to many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. But as Covid-19 delivers devastation to much of the global economy, with GDP forecasts for 2020 … [Read more...] about How the Fall in Remittances During the Pandemic Threatens Regional Wellbeing